Iris
Webster's Dictionary [1]
(1): ( n.) An appearance resembling the rainbow; a prismatic play of colors.
(2): ( n.) See Fleur-de-lis, 2.
(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.
(4): ( n.) The contractile membrane perforated by the pupil, and forming the colored portion of the eye. See Eye.
(5): ( n.) The rainbow.
(6): ( n.) The goddess of the rainbow, and swift-footed messenger of the gods.
(7): ( n.) Inner circle of an oscillated color spot.
The Nuttall Encyclopedia [2]
The daughter of Thaumus ( i. e . wonder) and of the ocean nymph Electra ( i. e . 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.
