watercress

[waw-ter-kres, wot-er-]

noun

1. a cress, Nasturtium officinale, of the mustard family, usually growing in clear, running streams and having pungent leaves.

2. the leaves, used for salads, soups, and as a garnish.

watercress

/ ˈwɔːtəˌkrɛs /

noun

1. an Old World plant, Nasturtium officinale , of clear ponds and streams, having pungent leaves that are used in salads and as a garnish: family Brassicaceae (crucifers)

2. any of several similar or related plants

Word History and Origins

Origin of watercress¹

1300–50; Middle English; cognate with Middle Dutch, Middle Low German waterkerse. See water, cress