rachis

• Nom désignant l'axe principal ou la structure centrale, tel que la tige d'une feuille composée ou d'une inflorescence en botanique, ou la colonne vertébrale en anatomie.

A noun referring to the main axis or central structure, such as the shaft of a compound leaf or inflorescence in botany, or the vertebral column in anatomy.

1. Botanical axisC2formalscientific

   The main axis or stem of a compound leaf or compound inflorescence, from which leaflets or flowers arise.

   axe principal d'une feuille composée ou d'une inflorescence

   • The rachis of the fern frond supports numerous pinnae.
   • In a compound leaf, the leaflets are attached along the rachis.
   • The inflorescence's rachis elongates as the flowers develop.

   Synonymesaxisshaftstalkstem

2. Vertebral columnC2formalmedical

   The series of vertebrae forming the axis of the skeleton and protecting the spinal cord; the spine.

   Colonne vertébrale

   • The rachis is a crucial structure for protecting the spinal cord.
   • Injuries to the rachis can lead to serious neurological problems.
   • The surgeon examined the patient's rachis for any abnormalities.

   Synonymesbackbonespinal columnspinevertebral column