Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Iris germanica

Iris germanica

7.0
A large iris with showy purple or white flowers grown in gardens
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : iris germanica
  • The Iris germanica blooms beautifully in spring.

Examples

  • The vibrant blooms of Iris germanica make it a popular choice for gardeners in Europe and North America.

  • The vibrant blooms of Iris germanica make it a popular choice for gardeners in Europe and North America.

  • Botanists study Iris germanica for its hardiness and beautiful blossoms.

  • In spring, the Iris germanica in our backyard garden produce spectacular white and purple flowers.

  • She planted several Iris germanicae in her garden.

  • Botanists study Iris germanica for its hardiness and beautiful blossoms.

  • In spring, the Iris germanica in our backyard garden produce spectacular white and purple flowers.

Synonyms

German iris
vsIris germanica
6.5

A large garden flower with tall stems and colorful petals

is the botanical Latin name used in scientific or formal contexts

Surface Forms

Iris germanica singular
Iris germanicas plural

Morphology

iris + germanica

The string is a Latin binomial: 'iris' (a flower) + an epithet 'germanica'. Knowing 'iris' lets a learner infer this refers to a kind/species of iris, so the basic taxonomic meaning is derivable. However 'germanica' is Latin (not a common English word) and its precise sense ('of or from Germany') may not be obvious to a B1 learner, so the relation is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Iris germanica combines Iris, a Greek word for 'rainbow' because the flowers come in bright colors, and germanica, a Latin word meaning 'from Germany' or 'German'. So the name helps you picture a colorful iris from central Europe.