noun
iris
A plant with showy flowers and sword-shaped leaves.
A purple iris blooms beside the pond.
Etymology
Greek iris means rainbow as well as naming the flower. The plant’s varied, vivid flower colors connect the botanical name with that rainbow image.
More examples
- She planted several irises along the path.
- The iris has long, sword-shaped leaves.
- An iris opened after the warm rain.
Forms
iris · irises
Similar words
- flower
- The broader plant category rather than this particular kind.