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
Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025
The thread-like foliage of this slow-growing perennial is a perfect contrast for plants with large or boldly structured leaves, such as peonies or irises.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2025
Old fashioned filmic techniques like split diopter shots, iris wipes, and chiaroscuro lighting add another layer of maximalist flare to the whole affair.
—Marya E. Gates, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2025
The area is also home to an astounding collection of native plants and flowers, including ferns, bee balm, native azaleas, galax, dwarf iris, and many more.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for iris
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Noun
The entrance to the building is always locked, and at least one officer guards the stairway down to the safes, where advanced securities are in place, including a fingerprint and iris scanner and an electronic key card reader.
—Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025
The thread-like foliage of this slow-growing perennial is a perfect contrast for plants with large or boldly structured leaves, such as peonies or irises.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2025
Old fashioned filmic techniques like split diopter shots, iris wipes, and chiaroscuro lighting add another layer of maximalist flare to the whole affair.
—Marya E. Gates, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2025
The area is also home to an astounding collection of native plants and flowers, including ferns, bee balm, native azaleas, galax, dwarf iris, and many more.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for iris
Cite this Entry
“Iris.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/iris. Accessed 21 Sep. 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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