or·ris (ôr  s,  r-)n. 1. Any of several species of iris having a fragrant rootstock, especially a variety of the hybrid Iris germanica. 2. The fragrant rootstock of the orris, used in perfumes and cosmetics. Also called orrisroot. [Probably alteration of Middle English yreos, from Medieval Latin, alteration of Latin  ris; see iris.] |
orris1, orrice [ˈɒrɪs]
n
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) any of various irises, esp Iris florentina, that have fragrant rhizomes
2. (Chemistry / Elements & Compounds) Also called 'orrisroot the rhizome of such a plant, prepared and used as perfume
[variant of iris]
orris2
n
(Clothing, Personal Arts & Crafts / Textiles) a kind of lace made of gold or silver, used esp in the 18th century
[from Old French orfreis, from Latin auriphrygium Phrygian gold]
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  orris - German iris having large white flowers with lavender-tinged falls and a fragrant rhizomebearded iris - any of numerous wild or cultivated irises with hairlike structures on the falls (the drooping sepals) |
| 2. | orris - fragrant rootstock of various irises especially Florentine iris; used in perfumes and medicines Florentine iris, Iris florentina, Iris germanica florentina, orris - German iris having large white flowers with lavender-tinged falls and a fragrant rhizome root - (botany) the usually underground organ that lacks buds or leaves or nodes; absorbs water and mineral salts; usually it anchors the plant to the ground |
Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content.
| ?Page tools | ||
|---|---|---|
|