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iris Definition

iris (ī′ris)

noun pl. i′ris·es

  1. a rainbow
  2. a rainbowlike show or play of colors
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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

  1. a feminine name
  2. 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.

flag, blue flag, yellow flag, fleur-de-lis, bearded iris, Siberian iris, Japanese iris, Dutch iris, orris-root, gladdon, Iris germanica (Latin); see also flower 2, plant.

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.