bittercress

[ bit-er-kres ]

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.

bittercress

/ 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)

Word History and Origins

Origin of bittercress¹

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

Example Sentences

"The Hairy Bittercress is thriving, we thank you," John would answer.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg