iris

noun \ ˈī-rəs \

|Updated on: 5 Aug 2018

Definition of iris

plural irises also irides play \ˈī-rə-ˌdēz, ˈir-ə-\

1 : rainbow

a : the opaque contractile diaphragm perforated by the pupil and forming the colored portion of the eye — see eye illustration

b : iris diaphragm; also : a similar device with a circular opening that can be varied in size

3 also plural iris : 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

Recent Examples of iris from the Web

There will be native dune strawberries, wild irises, European fan palms, aloes and the blue flowers of the Ceanothus bush.

— j.k. dineen, San Francisco Chronicle, "Above the bay, the Tunnel Tops green space is coming to San Francisco," 12 June 2018
That shows in the naturalized stands of iris and grasses, shade gardens, the boulders and stone patios and paths.

— judy rose, Detroit Free Press, "Photos: Log cabin in Metamora creates lavish comforts of home," 22 June 2018
There are many ways to lock and unlock our phones, computers, and tablets — face scans, thumbprints, irises, passcodes, patterns, and more.

— kim komando, USA TODAY, "10 insider tricks to keep hackers and scammers from stealing from you," 22 June 2018
There are many ways to lock and unlock our phones, computers, and tablets -- face scans, thumbprints, irises, passcodes, patterns, and more.

— kim komando, Fox News, "10 insider tricks to keep hackers and scammers from stealing from you," 22 June 2018
Guests can explore the award-winning gardens featuring perennials, herbs, irises and nearly twenty varieties of roses.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The Valley Edition," 19 June 2018
The iris scan database stretches across more than 200 law enforcement agencies nationwide, Mullin said.

— faith e. pinho, Indianapolis Star, "Marion County Jail embraces iris-scanning technology for inmates," 25 June 2018
Bonnie Sonntag of the Wisconsin Iris Society will lead a garden walk and discussion on the topic of irises at the Boerner Botanical Gardens, 9400 Boerner Drive, Hales Corners.

— hannah kirby, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "The West Allis A La Carte street festival is June 3," 28 May 2018
Others were known to dry and weave the leaves of wild iris into baskets, ropes and nets for their men.

— bill monroe, OregonLive.com, "10-year-old helps grandparents celebrate Mother's Day," 13 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'iris.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of iris

Origin and Etymology of iris

Middle English, "iris of the eye, the plant Iris germanica," borrowed from Latin īrid-, īris "rainbow, the plant Iris pallida or related species," borrowed from Greek īrid-, îris "rainbow, iridescent halo around the moon, a flame, etc., iris of the eye, the plant Iris pallida or related species," going back to *wīrid-, *wīris, of uncertain origin

Note: Traditionally, Greek îris "rainbow" (for which an original digamma [letter representing the sound w] is assured by an inscription from Corinth and the metrics of epic poetry) has been regarded as a derivative of Indo-European *u̯ei̯H- "plait, wrap," parallel to Germanic *wīr- (see ¹wire). However, the variant éris recorded by the Greek lexicographer Hesychius, as well as the dubious character of *wīrid- as an Indo-European formation (< *u̯ih₁-r-i-?) has drawn this etymology into question. Perhaps a substratal word.

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Seed Plant Terms

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

iris

verb

Definition of iris

irised; irising; irises

transitive verb

: to make iridescent

First Known Use of iris

1816

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Iris

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! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Other Mythology and Folklore Terms

elysian, fay, muse, nimbus, phoenix

IRIS Defined for English Language Learners

iris

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

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

noun \ ˈī-rəs \

medical Definition of iris

plural irises or irides play \ˈī-rə-ˌdēz, ˈir-ə-\

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