Definition of iris

The word "iris" derives from the ancient Greek word "ϊρίς" (īris), which was named after the Greek goddess Iris, often depicted as a divine messenger with wings on her feet and a long, slender body holding a staff topped by a wand-like object. Iris was considered the personification of rainbows, cloud messages, and the connector between the earthly and heavenly worlds. In botany, "iris" refers to a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Iridaceae family, commonly known as "Flag iris" in English. The ancient Greeks also applied the term "iris" to these particular plants, recognizing them as a symbol of royalty and a sign of hope because of their regal appearance and ability to sprout after winter. The term "iris" has been used in botanical nomenclature ever since, and its derivatives, such as "iridium" (iron oxide pigment) and "iridescence" (the shimmery and rainbow-like colors produced by thin opaque layers) still carry the notion of iridescence and divine message conveyed by the ancient Greek goddess.