What’s the Plural of Iris? Explanation with Examples

The word “iris” has two primary meanings in English: one refers to a type of flower, and the other refers to a part of the eye. The plural of iris differs based on which context you’re using it in. To make sure you get it right, let’s explore each case in detail, with examples that will help you use the word correctly.

Understanding the Singular and Plural Forms of Iris

Before we tackle the plural of iris, we need to know the context in which the word is being used. Is it the iris flower, or is it the iris of the eye? Both meanings come from a similar Greek and Latin origin, but they follow different pluralization rules in English.

The Iris Flower Plural

When we talk about the iris flower, we are referring to a genus of flowering plants in the family Iridaceae. These flowers are famous for their vibrant and varied colors, ranging from violet to yellow to white. The plural of iris flowers is irises.

Examples of Irises in Gardening and Botany:

• “I planted a dozen irises in my garden this spring.”
• “The new irises in the garden bloomed earlier than expected.”
• “There are over 200 different iris flower varieties you can grow, each with unique colors.”

When referring to iris flowers, irises is the universally accepted plural form. You’ll see this in both casual conversation and scientific contexts.

The Iris Plural Form in Eye Anatomy

The word iris also refers to a part of the eye that controls the size of the pupil and contributes to the eye’s color. In this context, the plural form can be either irises or irides.

• Irises: This is the more commonly used plural form.
  • Example: “Her irises are a deep shade of brown.”
• Irides: This form is considered more technical and is more often seen in medical or scientific writing.
  • Example: “Studies have shown that the color of the irides can be linked to genetic factors.”

So, when do we use irises versus irides?

• Irises is the preferred plural for everyday speech, casual writing, and general discussions about eye color.
• Irides is more specialized and might appear in scientific literature, particularly in eye studies and anatomical research.

Table: Quick Reference for the Plural of Iris

Context	Singular	Plural	Example
Botanical (Flower)	Iris	Irises	“I planted irises in my garden this spring.”
Anatomical (Eye)	Iris	Irises	“Her irises are bright blue.”
Anatomical (Eye, Formal)	Iris	Irides	“The color of the irides can indicate certain genetic conditions.”

Greek and Latin Origins of Iris

The word “iris” has roots in both Greek and Latin. In Greek mythology, Iris was the goddess of the rainbow, and the name “iris” itself means rainbow in Greek. This connection is why the word “iris” is used for both the colorful iris flower and the colored part of the eye, which appears as a rainbow of hues in some individuals.

Greek Word “Iris”

In Greek, Iris refers to both the goddess of the rainbow and the rainbow-like colors seen in the sky. The Greek word “iris” means “rainbow,” and over time, it was applied to the eye’s iris (because it can also display a variety of colors) and to the flower (which displays multiple vibrant hues).

Latin Word “Iris”

The Latin version of iris also meant both “rainbow” and the flower. Latin, as a precursor to modern English, influenced the way we use iris today. However, while irises became common in the context of flowers, irides emerged as the plural form used in more formal or scientific discussions about the eye.

English Pluralization Rules and Their Application

In English, the rules for forming plurals can be a bit confusing, especially for words borrowed from other languages, like iris. Let’s break it down:

Regular Pluralization Rules

• For most words ending in -s, -x, or -z, you add -es to form the plural.
  • Example: Box → Boxes, Class → Classes.

However, iris doesn’t follow the typical pattern of English pluralization. Instead, it derives from Latin and Greek, where nouns ending in -is form the plural with -es (making irides), but the more common English usage has shifted towards irises.

Greek and Latin Influence on the Plural of Iris

Because iris comes from Greek and Latin, irides is technically the more accurate plural, according to these classical languages. Irides would be used primarily in formal, scientific, or medical contexts where the anatomical iris is discussed.

For most everyday situations, though, irises is widely accepted, and it’s the plural you’re most likely to hear in gardening and flower discussions.

Examples of the Plural of Iris in Context

Let’s look at several different contexts to understand how irises and irides are used.

Example 1: Email About Botanical Irises

Subject: Update on My Flower Garden

Hi Mark,

Just wanted to let you know that my irises have been doing really well this year! The iris flower blooms are more vibrant than ever, and I added a few new iris flower varieties to my collection. The irises have really added a lot of color to the garden, especially next to the lilies and tulips.

You’ll have to come by soon and see how beautiful the irises look in person.

Best,
Laura

In this email, irises refers to the multiple flowers in the garden.

Example 2: Scientific Email About Eye Anatomy

Subject: Research on Irides and Eye Color

Dear Dr. Harper,

I wanted to share the latest findings from our study on irides and their connection to genetic traits. Our team has been analyzing the color of irides across different populations, and we’ve found some fascinating correlations with eye color.

I’ll keep you updated on our progress and look forward to discussing the results in more detail next week.

Best regards,
Dr. Thompson

Here, irides refers to the colored part of the eye, and is used in a scientific context.

The Importance of Correct Pluralization in Different Contexts

In both casual and formal settings, it’s essential to use the correct plural form of iris to avoid confusion. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Irises is used in gardening, botany, and casual discussions about flowers and plants.
• Irides is used in more formal or scientific contexts, especially when discussing the anatomy of the eye.

Iris Flower Varieties and Their Plural Forms

The iris flower comes in many different varieties, and each one is known for its distinct color and shape. Below are some common types of irises:

• Bearded irises: Known for their fuzzy, “bearded” petals.
• Siberian irises: These flowers have a more delicate appearance and grow well in colder climates.
• Japanese irises: Renowned for their wide, flat blooms and dramatic colors.

When discussing iris flower varieties, we typically use irises in the plural form.

Example:

• “The irises in my garden include several types: Siberian irises, Japanese irises, and a few classic bearded irises.”

Iridescent and Irides in Eye Studies

The term “iridescent” comes from the word iris because it refers to something that reflects or displays multiple colors, much like the rainbow-like hues of the iris flower or the eye’s iris. The term is often used in fashion (like iridescent contact lenses) or to describe a shimmering effect in materials.

Example:

• “The iridescent contact lenses I bought last week make my irises look like they’re glowing in the sunlight.”

In this context, iridescent refers to the rainbow-like colors produced by the irises of the eyes.

Conclusion: Understanding the Plural of Iris

In conclusion, whether you’re talking about the iris flower or the anatomical iris in the eye, understanding the plural of iris will help you communicate clearly and accurately. Use irises for flowers in most contexts, and irides when referring to the eye’s iris in scientific or formal writing.

By recognizing the subtle differences between these plural forms, you’ll be able to speak with confidence when discussing these beautiful and fascinating subjects, whether you’re in a garden center or a medical research lab.