Iris diaphragm \I"ris di"a*phragm\ An adjustable diaphragm, suggesting the iris of the eye in its action, for regulating the aperture of a lens, consisting of a number of thin pieces fastened to a ring. It is used in cameras and microscopes.
iris diaphragm n : diaphragm consisting of thin overlapping plates that can be adjusted to change the diameter of a central opening [syn: {iris}]