Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| arcus | [ˈar.kʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈar.kus] (narrow) |
masculine |
| pluvius arcus | masculine | |
| iris | [ˈiː.rɪs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈiː.ris] (narrow) |
feminine |
Latin uses different terms to describe a rainbow depending on whether you are focusing on its physical shape or the phenomenon itself. You can use arcus to refer to the arch in the sky, or the specific phrase pluvius arcus to describe a "rainy arch."
What does it mean word for word?
The word arcus literally means arch or bow.
Which one should you use?
arcus is a masculine noun that refers to the physical shape of the rainbow, while iris is a feminine noun that refers to the phenomenon through personification. The phrase pluvius arcus uses an adjective meaning "rainy" to specify the object as a rainbow.
How does it change in a sentence?
arcus is a masculine noun, whereas iris is a feminine noun.
When do people say it?
The term iris is derived from the Greek goddess of the rainbow, which serves to personify the phenomenon.
Did you know?
- While arcus describes the physical shape, iris refers to the rainbow as a messenger. In mythology, the goddess Iris traveled on a rainbow to deliver messages from the gods to humanity.
- The Latin word arcus is a distant relative of the English word 'arrow'. Both come from a root describing the flexible wood used to make bows.
Examples in context
- Iris in exiguo tempore evanescet.The rainbow will disappear in little time.This sentence is useful for describing how quickly the iris disappears.Tatoeba #12007922 by carlosalberto, translation #12007893 by carlosalberto
- In nube pluviosa, soli opposita, apparet iris.By a rain cloud, the sun against it, appears a rainbow.This sentence describes the conditions under which an iris appears.Tatoeba #7305520 by jimkillock, translation #7305533 by jimkillock
- Magnus arcus in caelo apparuit.A great rainbow appeared in the sky.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucius and Aurelia are looking at the sky after a storm.
- LuciusVidesne arcum in caelo?Do you see the rainbow in the sky?
- AureliaIta, arcus pulcher est.Yes, the rainbow is beautiful.
- LuciusColores arcus lucent.The colors of the rainbow are shining.
- AureliaVere mirabilis est.It is truly wonderful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rainbow” translations and entries arcus, iris, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries arcus, iris, pluvius, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
