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rachis - What does it mean?

Definition of 'rachis'

English

(wikipedia)

Alternative forms

* rhachis

Noun

(en-noun)
  • (botany) The main shaft of either a compound leaf, head of grain, or fern frond.
  • (zoology|anatomy) The spine or the vertebrae of the spine.
  • (ornithology) The central shaft of a feather.
  • Usage notes

    * The plural form (rachides) is technically erroneous, being based on a mistaken impression of the Ancient Greek stem.

    Anagrams

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