An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1a) The circular diaphragm forming the colored portion of the eye and perforated by the pupil in its center. → pupil.

1b) A diaphragm forming an adjustable opening over a lens in an optical instrument.

2. Asteroid 7, discovered in 1847 by E. astronomer John Russell Hind (1823-1895).
   

3. Botany: A plant having showy flowers, typically of purple, yellow, or white, and long thin leaves.

Etymology (EN): Iris, M.E., from L. irid-, iris “colored part of the eye, rainbow, iris plant, a precious stone,” from Gk. iris, iridos “rainbow, iris plant, iris of the eye,” initially “a messenger of the gods, regarded as the goddess of the rainbow.” The eye portion was so called for being the colored part.

Etymology (PE): Titak, from Kermâni, Tâleši, variants Lori tiya, Dehxodâ dictionary tuk, probably from didan “to see,” Mid.Pers. ditan “to see, regard, catch sight of, contemplate, experience;” O.Pers. dī- “to see;” Av. dā(y)- “to see,” didāti “sees;” cf. Skt. dhī- “to perceive, think, ponder; thought, reflection, meditation,” dādhye; Gk. dedorka “have seen.”
Zanbaq, from Pers. zanba “white rose.”