Iris: meaning, definitions and examples

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iris

[ˈaɪrɪs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

flower type

The iris is a genus of flowering plants with showy flowers, typically in shades of blue, purple, and white. Irises are popular in gardens and are known for their distinctive six-lobed flowers and sword-like leaves.

Synonyms

flowering plant, garden flower.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
iris	This word is typically used in both botanical contexts and casual conversation to refer to the specific type of flowering plant known for its colorful and showy flowers. It can also be used in poetry and literature. The iris in the garden is blooming beautifully this spring. She painted a delicate iris in watercolor.
flowering plant	This term is more general and is used in scientific or educational contexts to refer to any plant that produces flowers. It might be used when discussing botany or plant biology. The study of flowering plants is known as angiospermology. A daisy is a type of flowering plant.
garden flower	This term is used to describe flowers that are typically grown in gardens for their beauty. It's often used when talking about gardening or landscaping. Marigolds are a popular garden flower because they are easy to grow. She loves tending to her garden flowers every morning.

Word

Description / Examples

iris

This word is typically used in both botanical contexts and casual conversation to refer to the specific type of flowering plant known for its colorful and showy flowers. It can also be used in poetry and literature.

The iris in the garden is blooming beautifully this spring.
She painted a delicate iris in watercolor.

flowering plant

This term is more general and is used in scientific or educational contexts to refer to any plant that produces flowers. It might be used when discussing botany or plant biology.

The study of flowering plants is known as angiospermology.
A daisy is a type of flowering plant.

garden flower

This term is used to describe flowers that are typically grown in gardens for their beauty. It's often used when talking about gardening or landscaping.

Marigolds are a popular garden flower because they are easy to grow.
She loves tending to her garden flowers every morning.

Examples of usage

She planted irises in her garden.
The iris is often used in floral arrangements.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

anatomy

The iris is the colored part of the eye that controls the amount of light entering the eye by adjusting the size of the pupil. The iris can vary in color from person to person.

Synonyms

eye color part, pupil regulator.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
iris	Referring to the biological term for the part of the eye that controls the amount of light entering the eye by adjusting the size of the pupil. The iris adjusts to control how much light enters the eye. In bright light, the iris contracts to make the pupil smaller.
eye color part	Specifying that you are talking about the part of the eye that determines color, in a more straightforward or layman's terms. The eye color part of his eye was a deep brown. When discussing genetics, the eye color part is often mentioned.
pupil regulator	Used in a more functional or technical sense, explaining the role of the iris in regulating the pupil size. The pupil regulator is crucial for vision in different light conditions. An efficient pupil regulator helps protect the retina from excessive light.

Word

Description / Examples

iris

Referring to the biological term for the part of the eye that controls the amount of light entering the eye by adjusting the size of the pupil.

The iris adjusts to control how much light enters the eye.
In bright light, the iris contracts to make the pupil smaller.

eye color part

Specifying that you are talking about the part of the eye that determines color, in a more straightforward or layman's terms.

The eye color part of his eye was a deep brown.
When discussing genetics, the eye color part is often mentioned.

pupil regulator

Used in a more functional or technical sense, explaining the role of the iris in regulating the pupil size.

The pupil regulator is crucial for vision in different light conditions.
An efficient pupil regulator helps protect the retina from excessive light.

Examples of usage

Her eyes had beautiful blue irises.
The doctor examined the patient's iris for any abnormalities.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from the Greek word for rainbow, 'iris', reflecting the variety of colors found in human irises and in the flower.
In ancient Greece, Iris was a goddess who linked the gods to humanity, often depicted with a rainbow, emphasizing the beauty of the connection.
The term has also been used in literature and science to describe aspects of appearance and color.

Biology

The iris controls the size of the pupil and thus the amount of light entering the eye, playing a crucial role in vision.
Human eye color is determined by the amount and type of pigments present in the iris, leading to diverse colors such as blue, green, and brown.
Aniridia is a rare condition where a person is born without an iris, affecting vision and eye appearance.

Art and Culture

Iris flowers are commonly depicted in art, famously painted by Vincent van Gogh, symbolizing beauty and elegance.
In Greek mythology, the iris flower was said to bloom where the goddess Iris stepped, associating it with divinity and messages.
The iris is also the state flower of Tennessee in the United States, representing hope and courage.

Medicine

In anatomy, an 'iris' can also refer to a ring-like structure in the heart and other organs, emphasizing its importance across bodily systems.
Conditions affecting the iris, like uveitis, can lead to significant health complications if untreated, demonstrating its role in overall eye health.
Eye surgeons often consider iris structure and health when performing procedures like cataract surgery.

Literature

In poetry, the symbolism of the iris flower often represents hope, faith, and communication, appealing to human emotions.
In Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', flowers including the iris play a part in the mystical events of the story, showing their cultural significance.
Iris is also a name that appears in various novels, often symbolizing beauty and complexity in character development.

Translations

Translations of the word "iris" in other languages:

🇵🇹 íris

🇮🇳 आईरिस

नीलोफर
इन्द्रधनुष

🇩🇪 Iris

🇮🇩 iris

🇺🇦 ірис

🇵🇱 irys

🇯🇵 アイリス (airisu)

🇫🇷 iris

🇪🇸 iris

🇹🇷 iris

🇰🇷 아이리스 (ailiseu)

🇸🇦 قزحية العين

🇨🇿 duhovka

🇸🇰 duhovka

🇨🇳 虹膜 (hóngmó)

🇸🇮 šarenica

🇮🇸 regnbogi

🇰🇿 ирис

🇬🇪 ირისი (irisi)

🇦🇿 iris

🇲🇽 iris

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,115, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
12112 vacate
12113 password
12114 thematic
12115 iris
12116 septic
12117 obstinate
12118 recollections
...