rachis
9.9
A central stem that holds leaflets, flowers, or feather barbs
- noun
- /ˈreɪkɪs/
- Specialized
:
raquis
- The botanist examined the rachis to determine the species of the compound inflorescence.
Examples
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The rachis is the central shaft that supports the leaflets of a compound leaf.
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Its parts are: 1. Vane 2. Rachis 3. Barbs (connected by barbules and hooks) 4. Afterfeather 5. Calamus.
Blog text (15) -
They found neither barbs nor central shafts (rachis).
Blog text (15) -
In the flower, the rachis holds the clusters of blossoms together, making it easier to identify the plant.
Synonyms
1
6.9
The main stem of a plant that has leaves or branches along it
is narrower, referring only to the shaft of a compound leaf or inflorescence
9.9
A central stem that holds small leaves or flowers
has identical meaning but uses an alternate form of the name
Surface Forms
Etymology
Rachis comes from the Greek rhachis, which means 'spine' or 'backbone'. In plants and feathers it names the main central shaft that supports leaflets or the fine parts of a feather, so you can think of it as the 'spine' that holds the pieces together.