Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

iris-diaphragm

noun

/ˈaɪ.rɪs ˈdaɪ.ə.fɹæɡm/

Definition

A device used in optical systems to control the amount of light entering through the lens.

Examples

The photographer adjusted the iris-diaphragm to let in more light as the sun set.
In microscopy, an iris-diaphragm helps to improve contrast by controlling light intensity.
When using a camera, setting the iris-diaphragm correctly can drastically change the quality of the photograph.

Meaning

An iris-diaphragm is an adjustable opening that can change size depending on the light needed for an image, similar to the way the iris in a human eye works.