rachis

Plural: rachides, rachises

Noun

• The main stem of a compound leaf or a feather.
• axis of a compound leaf or compound inflorescence
• the series of vertebrae forming the axis of the skeleton and protecting the spinal cord
• The spinal column, or the vertebrae of the spine.
• An anatomical shaft or axis in a marine invertebrate.
• The central shaft of a feather.
• The axis of either a compound leaf, inflorescence, or fern frond.

Examples

• He played RACHIS, connecting two separate lines of play like a central stem.

Synonyms

back, backbone, spinal column, spine, vertebral column

Related Words

RACHIAL