n.
Pronunciation: ' r ā -k ə s, ' ra-
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural ra · chis · es also ra · chi · des \ ' ra-k ə - ˌ d ē z, ' r ā - \
Etymology: New Latin rachid-, rachis, from Greek rhachis; akin to Greek rhachos thorn, Lithuanian ra ž as dry twig, tine
Date: 1785
1 : an axial structure: as a (1) : the elongated axis of an inflorescence (2) : an extension of the petiole of a compound leaf that bears the leaflets b : the distal part of the shaft of a feather that bears the web
2 : SPINAL COLUMN