Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
rachis
noun
/ˈreɪ.kɪs/
Definition
The main axis or stem of a flower cluster, or the part of a plant that connects the individual florets.
Examples
- The rachis of the fern extends from the base to the tips of its leaves.
- The rachis of the inflorescence holds the flowers in place, allowing them to bloom.
- Botanists study the rachis to understand the growth patterns of various plant species.
Meaning
In botany, the rachis is a central shaft or the backbone of a compound structure, particularly in flowering plants.
Synonyms
- axis
- shaft
- stem
