iris

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈī-rəs

plural irises also irides ˈī-rə-ˌdēz

ˈir-ə-

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

: iris diaphragm

also : a similar device with a circular opening that can be varied in size

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

: rainbow

iris

2 of 3

verb

irised; irising; irises

transitive verb

: to make iridescent

Iris

3 of 3

noun (2)

ˈī-rəs

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

Examples of iris in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Stefani dressed on theme, rocking a glittery, purple bodysuit with an enlarged iris attached to the front of the look, as the pair sang in harmony. —

Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 17 May 2024 Caesar can digitally freeze everything around him one second, then stare lovingly at Julia via a silent-cinema iris shot the next. —

David Fear, Rolling Stone, 16 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for iris

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'iris.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

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 wire entry 1). 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.

Noun (2)

Latin, from Greek

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Verb

1816, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of iris was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Iris.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/iris. Accessed 3 Jun. 2024.

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Kids Definition

iris

noun

ˈī-rəs

plural irises

-rə-səz

or irides

ˈī-rə-ˌdēz,

ˈir-ə-

: the colored part around the pupil of the eye that changes in size to control the amount of light entering the pupil

also plural iris : any of a large genus of plants with long pointed leaves and large usually brightly colored flowers

: iris diaphragm

Medical Definition

iris

noun

ˈī-rəs

plural irises or irides ˈī-rə-ˌdēz

ˈir-ə-

: 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

: iris diaphragm

Last Updated: 22 May 2024 - Updated example sentences

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iris

noun (1)

Illustration of iris

verb

noun (2)

Examples of iris in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near iris

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition