/ˈīris/
Noun, pl. irises
1. (Anatomy), part of the eye. (wikipedia.org)
2. A flat, colored, ring-shaped membrane behind the cornea of the eye, with an adjustable circular opening (pupil) in the center. (Google Dictionary)
3. An adjustable diaphragm of thin overlapping plates for regulating the size of a central hole, esp. for the admission of light to a lens. (Google Dictionary)
(Botany)
1. A taxonomic genus within the family Iridaceae — the irises (Google Dictionary); a genus of plants having showy flowers and bulbous or tuberous roots, of which the flower-de-luce (fleur-de-lis), orris, and other species of flag are examples. (biology-online.org)
3. The contractile membrane perforated by the pupil, and forming the coloured portion of the eye. (biology-online.org)
4. A plant with sword-shaped leaves and showy flowers, typically purple, yellow, or white. Native to both Eurasia and North America, it is widely cultivated as an ornamental. (Google Dictionary)
(Others)
1. (Greek mythology) A messenger of the gods, and goddess of rainbows. (wiktionary.org)
2. A female given name; a flower name used since the end of the 19th century. (wiktionary.org)
3. (Astronomy) 7 Iris, an asteroid. (wiktionary.org)
4. The goddess of the rainbow, and swift-footed messenger of the gods; the rainbow; an appearance resembling the rainbow; a prismatic play of colours. (biology-online.org)
Word origin: From Latin iris (plural irides) “iris of the eye, iris plant, rainbow,” from Greek iris (genitive iridos) “a rainbow; the lily; iris of the eye,” originally “messenger of the gods,” personified as the rainbow.