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Glite Dictionary
German iris

German iris

6.5
A large garden flower with tall stems and colorful petals
  • noun
  • /ˈɡɜrmən ˈaɪrɪs/
translation icon : iris alemán
  • She planted several German irises along the walkway to brighten the entrance.

Examples

  • The German iris adds a burst of color to the spring garden.

  • The German iris bloomed beautifully in the garden.

  • Many gardeners prefer the German iris for its vibrant, long-lasting blooms.

  • Look at that stunning German iris blooming!

  • Many gardeners prefer the German iris for its vibrant, long-lasting blooms.

  • The German iris adds a burst of color to the spring garden.

  • She planted several German irises along the walkway to brighten the entrance.

Synonyms

Iris germanica
vsGerman iris
  • Specialized
7.0

A large iris with showy purple or white flowers grown in gardens

is the everyday garden name used more in cultivation contexts

Surface Forms

German iris singular
German irises plural

Morphology

German + iris

The phrase is a regular adjectival noun phrase where 'German' modifies 'iris', so the meaning—an iris associated with Germany or a named variety (Iris germanica)—is directly derivable from the parts. This nationality + noun pattern is common cross-linguistically, so a B1 learner who knows 'German' and 'iris' will readily infer the intended sense.

Etymology

German iris may come from the old plant name 'germanica', a label people used to show a link to Germany or to gardens there. Picture a large, showy iris loved in German flower beds — that image explains the name, and today German iris means 'a large iris plant' grown in gardens.