orris

(ôr′is, är′-)

noun

any of several European irises, esp. a white-flowered species (Iris florentina) whose rootstocks yield orrisroot

Origin: prob. altered < ME ireos < ML yreos < Gr ireos, made from iris < iris, iris

See orris in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Any of several species of iris having a fragrant rootstock, especially a variety of the hybrid Iris germanica.
The fragrant rootstock of the orris, used in perfumes and cosmetics. Also called orrisroot.

Origin:

Origin: Probably alteration of Middle English yreos

Origin: , from Medieval Latin

Origin: , alteration of Latin īris; see iris

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