iris Definition
iris (ī′ris)
noun pl. i′ris·es
- a rainbow
- a rainbowlike show or play of colors
- 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
Etymology: LME < L < Gr iris (gen. iridos) < IE *wir- (> wire) < base *wei-, to turn, bend
adjective
designating a family (Iridaceae, order Liliales) of monocotyledonous plants, including crocuses and gladioluses
Iris Definition
Iris (ī′ris)
noun
- a feminine name
- Gr. Myth. the goddess of the rainbow: in the Iliad, she is the messenger of the gods
Etymology: L < Gr Iris: see iris
iris Synonyms
iris
n.
iris Usage Examples
Preposition: of
eye: Aniridia: Absence of the iris of the eye, either congenital or acquired.
Converse of object
call: The colored part of the eye is called the iris - what color are your eyes?
Adjective modifier
- bearded: This popular, tall bearded iris is perfect for a sunny, well-drained border.
- stinking: The " stinking iris " , a rare plant, is also to be found in this area.
- Siberian: Other popular types include the tall, slender Siberian iris for moist, fertile soil, with flowers of blue, indigo or white.
- yellow: Look out for orchids, yellow flag iris, ferns.
- purple: My purple irises are up and I'm most delighted with my lavender mountain lilies!
- pale: A yew hedge screens the approaches to the formal gardens near the house, where a north-south path is edged with pale blue iris.
Modifies a noun
- diaphragm: An iris diaphragm controls the amount of light entering the eye.
- explorer: IRIS Explorer now available for Mac OS X IRIS Explorer Release 5.2 is now available for the Mac OS X platform.
- scan: Bank United of Texas intends to do iris scans.
- recognition: The iris recognition system used by Bank United does not transmit images or maintain them in any archival storage.
- scanner: For example, I tried to get iris scanners for entry control to our new computer lab building.
- folding: Once the iris folding is complete, add a border using matching paper.
Noun used with modifier
- substage: I suspect that many beginning to take up microscopy might, understandably, use the substage iris control to reduce light intensity.
- condenser: Do not forget to set the condenser iris wide open!
- flag: Look out for orchids, yellow flag iris, ferns.
- plant: Plant irises now for flowering next May to July.
- auto: Fit lenses to cameras and connect auto iris lenses.
- field: The filament is uneven when focussed and gives glare for the same field iris setting as Philips.
Browse dictionary entries near iris
- ‹ iridosmine
- ‹ irido-
- ‹ iridium
- ‹ iridic
- ‹ iridescent
- ‹ iridescence
- ‹ irides
- ‹ iridectomy
- ‹ irid
- ‹ Irian

