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Glite Dictionary
genus Iris

genus Iris

7.2
A group of flowering plants that grow from bulbs or underground stems, like common garden flowers with showy blooms
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛnəs ˈaɪrɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : género Iris
  • The genus Iris includes some of the most popular ornamental garden flowers.

Examples

  • Scientists recently discovered a new member of the genus Iris in the wild.

  • Many gardeners love the genus Iris for its vibrant colors.

  • Many species within the genus Iris are prized for their vibrant, colorful blooms.

  • The genus Iris includes many beautiful flowers.

  • Many species within the genus Iris are prized for their vibrant, colorful blooms.

  • Scientists recently discovered a new member of the genus Iris in the wild.

  • The genus Iris includes some of the most popular ornamental garden flowers.

Surface Forms

genus Iris singular
genera Iris plural

Morphology

genus + iris

The phrase combines the taxonomic noun 'genus' (a group of related species) with the plant name 'Iris', so its meaning—a biological group containing irises—is directly and compositionally derivable from the constituents. This noun-noun taxonomic construction is transparent and cross-linguistically regular, so a B1 learner who knows both words should understand it.

Etymology

Genus Iris gets its name from the goddess Iris, who in Greek myth is linked to the 'rainbow'. Because iris flowers come in many bright colors, people used her name for this group of colorful plants.