Iris (Noun)
Meaning 1
Plants with sword-shaped leaves and erect stalks bearing bright-colored flowers composed of three petals and three drooping sepals.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Synonyms
Hyponyms
Meaning 2
Muscular diaphragm that controls the size of the pupil which in turn controls the amount of light that enters the eye; it forms the colored portion of the eye.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The iris is the colored part of the eye that surrounds the pupil and regulates the amount of light that enters.
- In bright light, the iris constricts to reduce the amount of light that enters the eye, while in low light it dilates to allow more light in.
- The iris is made up of smooth muscle fibers that allow it to change shape and control the size of the pupil.
- The color of the iris is determined by the amount and distribution of pigment in the iris, with more pigment resulting in darker eye colors.
- Damage to the iris can cause problems with vision and eye health, and in severe cases may require surgical repair.
Hypernyms
Meaning 3
Diaphragm consisting of thin overlapping plates that can be adjusted to change the diameter of a central opening.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.