Rachis

rā′kis, n. the spine: ( bot. ) a branch or axis of inflorescence which proceeds in nearly a straight line from the base to the apex:— pl. Rā′chidēs .— n. Rāchial′gia , pain in the spine.— adjs. Rāchial′gic ; Rāchid′ial , Rāchid′ian .— n. Rāchil′la , a secondary rachis in a compound inflorescence.— adj. Rāchit′ic , rickety.— ns. Rāchī′tis , rickets in children (see Rickets ): ( bot. ) a disease which produces abortion in the fruit; Rāch′itome , an anatomical instrument for opening the spinal canal. [Gr. rachis , the spine.]