[iris] n, pl iris.es or iri.des [ME, fr. L irid-, iris rainbow, iris plant, fr. Gk, rainbow, iris plant, iris of the eye--more at wire] (15c) 1: rainbow
2. [NL irid-, iris, fr. Gk] 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 3 or pl iris [NL Irid-, Iris, genus name, fr. L]: any of a large genus (Iris of the family Iridaceae, the iris family) of perennial herbaceous plants with linear usu. basal leaves and large showy flowers
[2]iris vt (1816): to make iridescent Iris n [L, fr. Gk]: the Greek goddess of the rainbow and a messenger of the gods