iris

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Science

n. a tall plant with large, colorful flowers that usually have three petals pointing up and three hanging down.

n. any plant of the genus Iris, characterized by showy flowers and sword-shaped leaves.

“She planted purple irises along the edge of the garden path.”

“The botanical garden features a diverse collection of bearded irises, which bloom in a spectacular array of colors during the late spring.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Photography Technical

n. the part of a camera lens that opens and closes to control how much light gets in.

n. an adjustable diaphragm consisting of thin overlapping plates, used to control the aperture of a lens.

“The photographer adjusted the iris to make the background look blurry.”

“By narrowing the iris of the lens, the cinematographer was able to maintain a deep focus across the entire landscape.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Literary

n. a rainbow or a bright display of many colors.

n. a rainbow or an iridescent appearance resembling a rainbow.

“An iris of light appeared in the mist above the waterfall.”

“The poet described the morning dew as a thousand tiny irises scattered across the meadow grass.”

C2 · Proficiency Technical · Literary

v. to open or close slowly like the part of an eye or a camera lens.

v. to expand or contract in a manner resembling the movement of an ocular or mechanical iris.

“The mechanical door irised open to let the crew inside.”

“The stage lights slowly irised down, focusing a single, sharp beam on the lead actor as the scene concluded.”