bittercress

American  

[bit-er-kres] / ˈbɪt ərˌkrɛs /

noun

1. any cruciferous plant of the genus Cardamine, including the white-flowered hairy bittercress (C. hirsuta ) of widespread distribution and the purple-flowered coralroot bittercress (C. bulbifera ), predominantly of Finland.

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bittercress British  

/ ˈbɪtəˌkrɛs /

noun

1. one of several perennial or annual plants of the genus Cardamine , that are related to lady's-smock, including hairy bittercress ( C. hirsuta ), a common weed resembling shepherd's purse, with which it is often confused: family: Brassicaceae (crucifers)

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Etymology

Origin of bittercress

First recorded in 1855–60; bitter ( def. ) + cress ( def. )

Example Sentences

So far, using her recipes, I’ve had great success putting hairy bittercress, purple deadnettles, lilac petals, and dandelions to use.

From The Verge • Dec. 24, 2021

Forget the impending dandelions and violets; I’m talking about established winter weeds, whose roots now go deep — interlopers like henbit, chickweed, bittercress and ground ivy.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 29, 2021

The moose is garnished with flecks of pickled winter chanterelles, dark bittercress leaves and crisp, celadon-green caribou moss.

From New York Times • Jul. 19, 2017

Among English weeds, the little bittercress that grows on dry walls and hedge-banks forms an excellent example of the same device.

From Science in Arcady by Allen, Grant