the round, pigmented membrane surrounding the pupil of the eye, having muscles that adjust the size of the pupil to regulate the amount of light entering the eye
any of a large genus (Iris) of perennial plants of the iris family, with sword-shaped leaves and conspicuous flowers composed of three petals and three drooping sepals of widely varying color
the flower of these plants
adjective
designating a family (Iridaceae, order Liliales) of monocotyledonous plants, including crocuses and gladioluses
noun
a feminine name
Gr. Myth. the goddess of the rainbow: in the Iliad, she is the messenger of the gods
See iris in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(īˈrĭs)
nounpl.i·ris·es or i·ri·des(īˈrĭ-dēzˌ, ĭrˈĭ-)
The pigmented, round, contractile membrane of the eye, suspended between the cornea and lens and perforated by the pupil. It regulates the amount of light entering the eye.
Any of numerous plants of the genus Iris, having narrow sword-shaped leaves and showy, variously colored flowers.
A rainbow or rainbowlike display of colors.
An iris diaphragm.
(īˈrĭs)
noun Greek Mythology
The goddess of the rainbow and messenger of the gods.