Irides

Irides is a term that appears in linguistic, historical, and some scientific contexts, but it is not a commonly used word in contemporary English. In most modern writing, the plural of iris (the eye structure or the flower genus) is irises, and iridesby itself is encountered mainly in Latin or Latinized forms.

Etymology and usage: The word iris comes from Latin iris, which itself traces to the Greek iris, meaning rainbow. In Latin, the plural nominative is irides. Consequently, irides can be found in classical texts or in scholarly transliterations where Latin grammar is preserved. In English-language science and medicine today, irises and irises are the standard forms for the eye’s structure and for the flower genus, respectively.

Scientific and cultural notes: In ophthalmology and botany, the ordinary terminology is iris (singular) with plurals irises or irises for the eye structure and the plant genus Iris. The form irides may appear when quoting Latin passages, discussing historical terminology, or referring to multiple rainbows in a Latin context. Additionally, the adjective iridis (or irid) is used in scientific names and terms derived from the same root, such as iris iridis in some Latin-based descriptions.

See also: Iris, iridescence, rainbow, Latin plurals in scientific nomenclature.

Note: If you encounter irides in a text, consider the context to determine whether it is a Latin plural referring to multiple irises or rainbows, or whether it is being used as an English form in older or transliterated material.