iris

iris definition - medical

i·ris (īˈrĭs)

noun pl. i·ris·es or i·ri·des (īˈrĭ-dēzˌ, ĭrˈĭ-)
The round pigmented contractile membrane of the eye that is perforated in the center by the pupil, forms the front part of the vascular tunic, and is attached on the margin to the ciliary body.

Related Forms:

  • iˈri·dal (īˈrĭ-dl, ĭrˈĭ-), i·ridˈi·al (ī-rĭdˈē-əl, ĭ-rĭdˈ-), i·ridˈi·an adjective

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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