watercress

/ˈwɑɾərkrɛs/

/ˈwɔtekrɛs/

Other forms: watercresses

Definitions of watercress

1. noun

   any of several water-loving cresses
   types:

   American watercress, Cardamine rotundifolia, mountain watercress

   mat-forming perennial found in cold springs of the eastern United States

   Nasturtium officinale, Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum, common watercress

   perennial Eurasian cress growing chiefly in springs or running water having fleshy pungent leaves used in salads or as a potherb or garnish; introduced in North America and elsewhere

   Rorippa islandica, marsh cress, yellow watercress

   annual or biennial cress growing in damp places sometimes used in salads or as a potherb; troublesome weed in some localities

   Nasturtium amphibium, Rorippa amphibia, great yellowcress

   perennial herb found on streams and riversides throughout Europe except extreme north and Mediterranean; sometimes placed in genus Nasturtium

   type of:

   cress, cress plant

   any of various plants of the family Cruciferae with edible leaves that have a pungent taste
2. noun

   cresses that grow in clear ponds and streams
   type of:

   cress

   pungent leaves of any of numerous cruciferous herbs
3. adjective

   of a moderate yellow-green color that is greener and deeper than moss green and yellower and darker than pea green
   synonyms: cress green, cresson

   chromatic

   being, having, or characterized by hue