orris

or·ris  (ôrs, 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.

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[Probably alteration of Middle English yreos, from Medieval Latin, alteration of Latin ris; see iris.]

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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]

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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]

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	orris - German iris having large white flowers with lavender-tinged falls and a fragrant rhizome Florentine iris, Iris florentina, Iris germanica florentina bearded iris - any of numerous wild or cultivated irises with hairlike structures on the falls (the drooping sepals) orrisroot, orris - fragrant rootstock of various irises especially Florentine iris; used in perfumes and medicines
	2.	orris - fragrant rootstock of various irises especially Florentine iris; used in perfumes and medicines orrisroot 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