Illustration of iris
- iris 2
plural irises also irides
ˈī-rə-ˌdēz 
ˈir-ə-
1
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
2
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
3
: rainbow
Examples of iris in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2025
Materials used for decorating must be natural (not dyed), and include flowers such as roses, chrysanthemums, irises, carnations, and hydrangeas.
—Michael Goldstein, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
The jewelry box is available in nine colors and can be personalized with the recipient’s name in pretty cursive writing, as well as the flower from their birth month (such as an iris for February or a rose for June).
—Mia Huelsbeck, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024
This dazzling aromatic features notes of floral iris, earthy patchouli, creamy vanilla, and sweet sugar.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 2 Dec. 2024
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Noun
Bulbs:African iris, amaryllis, Amazon lily, Asiatic lily, blackberry lily, blood lily, bulbine, caladium, canna, crinum, day lily, gladiolus, gloriosa lily, Louisiana iris, society garlic, spider lily, rain lily.
—Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2025
Materials used for decorating must be natural (not dyed), and include flowers such as roses, chrysanthemums, irises, carnations, and hydrangeas.
—Michael Goldstein, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
The jewelry box is available in nine colors and can be personalized with the recipient’s name in pretty cursive writing, as well as the flower from their birth month (such as an iris for February or a rose for June).
—Mia Huelsbeck, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024
This dazzling aromatic features notes of floral iris, earthy patchouli, creamy vanilla, and sweet sugar.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for iris
Dictionary Entries Near iris
Cite this Entry
“Iris.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/iris. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
iris
noun
plural irises or irides
ˈī-rə-ˌdēz
ˈir-ə-
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
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