rhachis

noun, plural rha·chis·es, rhach·i·des [rak-i-deez, rey-ki-] /ˈræk ɪˌdiz, ˈreɪ kɪ-/.

1. rachis.

noun, plural ra·chis·es, rach·i·des [rak-i-deez, rey-ki-] /ˈræk ɪˌdiz, ˈreɪ kɪ-/.

1. Botany.
   1. the axis of an inflorescence when somewhat elongated, as in a raceme.
   2. (in a pinnately compound leaf or frond) the prolongation of the petiole along which the leaflets are disposed.
   3. any of various axial structures.
2. Ornithology. the part of the shaft of a feather bearing the web.
3. Anatomy. spinal column.

noun plural rhachises or rhachides (ˈrækɪˌdiːz, ˈreɪ-)

1. a variant spelling of rachis

noun plural rachises, rhachises, rachides or rhachides (ˈrækɪˌdiːz, ˈreɪ-)

1. botany the main axis or stem of an inflorescence or compound leaf
2. ornithol the shaft of a feather, esp the part that carries the barbs
3. another name for spinal column

n. pl. ra•chis•es

1. spinal column

Plural rachises rachides (răk′ĭ-dēz′, rā′kĭ-)

1. A main axis or shaft, such as the main stem of an inflorescence, the stalk of a pinnately compound leaf, the shaft of a feather, or the spinal column.