iris: Meaning and Definition of

i•ris

Pronunciation: (ī'ris), [key]
— n., pl. v. i•ris•es, ir•i•des
—n.
  1. the contractile, circular diaphragm forming the colored portion of the eye and containing a circular opening, the pupil, in its center. See diag. under
  2. any plant of the genus Iris, having showy flowers and sword-shaped leaves. Cf. iris family.
  3. a flower of this plant.
  4. (cap.)a messenger of the gods, regarded as the goddess of the rainbow.
  5. a rainbow.
  6. any appearance resembling a rainbow.
  7. an iris-in or iris-out.
  8. See
—v.i.
  1. to begin or end a take or scene with an iris-in or iris-out, achieved by manipulation of an iris diaphragm on the camera or by editing the film.

I•ris

Pronunciation: (ī'ris), [key]
— n.
  1. a female given name.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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