iris

play

noun \ˈī-rəs\

Definition of iris

plural

irises

also

irides

play \ˈī-rə-ˌdēz, ˈir-ə-\

1 : rainbow
2 [New Latin irid-, iris, from Greek] a : the opaque contractile diaphragm perforated by the pupil and forming the colored portion of the eye — see eye illustrationb : iris diaphragm; also : a similar device with a circular opening that can be varied in size
3 also plural iris [New Latin Irid-, Iris, genus name, from Latin] : any of a large genus (Iris of the family Iridaceae, the iris family) of perennial herbaceous plants with linear usually basal leaves and large showy flowers

See iris defined for English-language learners

See iris defined for kids

Illustration of iris

Origin and Etymology of iris

Middle English, from Latin irid-, iris rainbow, iris plant, from Greek, rainbow, iris plant, iris of the eye — more at wire

NEW!

First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

Other Seed Plant Terms

aubergine, box, bramble, briar, composite, perpetual, pulse, trefoil

iris

verb

Definition of iris

transitive verb
: to make iridescent

First Known Use of iris

1816

Iris

play

noun \ˈī-rəs\

Definition of Iris

: the Greek goddess of the rainbow and a messenger of the gods

Origin and Etymology of iris

Latin, from Greek

NEW!

First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

Other Mythology and Folklore Terms

elysian, fay, muse, nimbus, phoenix

IRIS Defined for English Language Learners

iris

play

noun

Definition of iris for English Language Learners

: the colored part of your eye
: a plant with long pointed leaves and large blue or yellow flowers

IRIS Defined for Kids

iris

play

noun \ˈī-rəs\

Definition of iris for Students

1 : the colored part around the pupil of an eye
2 : a plant with long pointed leaves and large usually brightly colored flowers

Medical Dictionary

iris

play

noun \ˈī-rəs\

Medical Definition of iris

plural

irises

irides

\ˈī-rə-ˌdēz, ˈir-ə-\play play

1: the opaque muscular contractile diaphragm that is suspended in the aqueous humor in front of the lens of the eye, is perforated by the pupil and is continuous peripherally with the ciliary body, has a deeply pigmented posterior surface which excludes the entrance of light except through the pupil and a colored anterior surface which determines the color of the eyes
2: iris diaphragm