orris
/'ɔris/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A fragrant rootstock: The dried, fragrant rootstock (rhizome) of certain iris species, particularly Iris florentina (Florentine iris) and Iris germanica (German iris). It is used in perfumery, potpourri, and formerly in medicine.
- The plant itself: A name for the iris plant, especially Iris germanica var. florentina, which produces these fragrant rhizomes.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The perfumer added powdered orris to the blend for its violet-like scent and fixative properties.
- The garden featured a patch of white-flowered orris.
- Orris root is a traditional ingredient in some sachets and herbal mixtures.
Advanced Usage
- "Orris root": This is the most common specific term, referring explicitly to the dried, prepared rhizome used commercially.
- The recipe calls for a teaspoon of finely ground orris root.
Variants and Related Words
- Orrisroot (noun): A variant spelling for "orris root."
- Iris florentina (noun): The botanical name for the Florentine iris, a primary source of orris.
- Rhizome (noun): A type of horizontal, underground plant stem from which roots and shoots emerge; this is the part of the plant that is harvested as orris.
Synonyms
- Iris root: A less specific synonym.
- Orrisroot: A direct variant.
- Violet root (archaic): A historical name referring to its scent, which resembles violets.
Notes on Different Meanings
- The primary and most common meaning of "orris" in modern English relates to the fragrant rootstock used in perfumery.
- The secondary meaning, referring to the plant itself, is botanical and less frequently used in everyday language.
- The word is not commonly used to refer to types of lace or gold/silver embroidery in contemporary English; those are archaic or specialized definitions not covered by the core meanings provided.
Noun
- fragrant rootstock of various irises especially Florentine iris; used in perfumes and medicines
- German iris having large white flowers with lavender-tinged falls and a fragrant rhizome