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
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
The small iris and scattering of light work together to create multipoint starbursts around small points of light.
—PCMAG, 16 May 2024
The bloom was always brief, though, only lasting two weeks before making way for the next rounds of flowers – iris, yarrow, honeysuckle, coneflower – each tossing its own scent into the bouquet of summer.
—Lily Stewart, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 May 2024
According to the description, the perfume weaves notes of bergamot, red apple, cotton candy, iris and freesia, buttery popcorn, warm sandalwood, vanilla bean and caramelized amber.
—Anna Tingley, Variety, 8 May 2024
This version comes in a wide variety of colors — iris, raspberry, and grapefruit are among our faves.
—Leonora Epstein, Peoplemag, 3 May 2024
Biometric information comprises data on a range of a person's physical characteristics, including retina or iris scans, fingerprints, voiceprints, hand scans, facial geometry and DNA.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 16 Apr. 2024
Sometimes their irises are made of buttons, which the artist also uses to represent other body parts, including breasts and a corona of pink curls framing a round yellow face.
—Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 29 Mar. 2024
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
The small iris and scattering of light work together to create multipoint starbursts around small points of light.
—PCMAG, 16 May 2024
The bloom was always brief, though, only lasting two weeks before making way for the next rounds of flowers – iris, yarrow, honeysuckle, coneflower – each tossing its own scent into the bouquet of summer.
—Lily Stewart, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 May 2024
According to the description, the perfume weaves notes of bergamot, red apple, cotton candy, iris and freesia, buttery popcorn, warm sandalwood, vanilla bean and caramelized amber.
—Anna Tingley, Variety, 8 May 2024
This version comes in a wide variety of colors — iris, raspberry, and grapefruit are among our faves.
—Leonora Epstein, Peoplemag, 3 May 2024
Biometric information comprises data on a range of a person's physical characteristics, including retina or iris scans, fingerprints, voiceprints, hand scans, facial geometry and DNA.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 16 Apr. 2024
Sometimes their irises are made of buttons, which the artist also uses to represent other body parts, including breasts and a corona of pink curls framing a round yellow face.
—Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 29 Mar. 2024
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.
Dictionary Entries Near iris
Cite this Entry
“Iris.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/iris. Accessed 23 May. 2024.
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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