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Glite Dictionary
vernal iris

vernal iris

9.7
A low plant with bright blue-lilac flowers that blooms in spring
  • noun
  • /ˈvɜrnəl ˈaɪrɪs/
  • US
translation icon : iris vernal
  • The vernal iris brightens up the garden with its blue-lilac flowers each spring.

Examples

  • The vernal iris blooms beautifully in early spring.

  • We planted vernal irises along the pathway for a splash of spring color.

  • Botanists studied the natural habitat of the vernal iris in the southeastern United States.

  • Many gardeners love the vernal iris for its vibrant color.

  • The vernal iris brightens up the garden with its blue-lilac flowers each spring.

  • Botanists studied the natural habitat of the vernal iris in the southeastern United States.

  • We planted vernal irises along the pathway for a splash of spring color.

Synonyms

Iris verna
vsvernal iris
  • Specialized
9.9

A low-growing iris with bright blue to lilac flowers that blooms in spring

is the same plant but named in standard botanical form

Surface Forms

vernal iris singular
vernal irises plural

Morphology

vernal + iris

The meaning 'a spring-blooming iris' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'vernal' (relating to spring) with 'iris' (a flower). This adjective+noun compositional pattern is straightforward and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

The plant name vernal iris comes from its parts: vernal is an old word for 'spring' and iris is a flower, so the name shows a flower that blooms in early spring. That's why it is used for the low-growing iris that brightens gardens each spring.