Difference between revisions of "Iris"

<p> (1): (n.) An appearance resembling the rainbow; a prismatic play of colors. </p> <p> (2): (n.) See Fleur-de-lis, 2. </p> <p> (3): (n.) A genus of plants having showy flowers and bulbous or tuberous roots, of which the flower-de-luce (fleur-de-lis), orris, and other species of flag are examples. See Illust. of Flower-de-luce. </p> <p> (4): (n.) The contractile membrane perforated by the pupil, and forming the colored portion of the eye. See Eye. </p> <p> (5): (n.) The rainbow. </p> <p> (6): (n.) The goddess of the rainbow, and swift-footed messenger of the gods. </p> <p> (7): (n.) [[Inner]] circle of an oscillated color spot. </p>

<p> The daughter of Thaumus ( <i> i. e </i> . wonder) and of the ocean nymph [[Electra]] ( <i> i. e </i> . splendour); was the goddess of the rainbow, and as such the messenger of the gods, particularly of [[Zeus]] and Hera, the appearance of the rainbow being regarded as a sign that communications of good omen were passing between heaven and earth, as it was to [[Noah]] that they would continue to be kept up; she is represented as dressed in a long wide tunic, over which hangs a light upper garment, and with golden wings on her shoulders. </p>