cress

cress

noun \ˈkres\

Definition of CRESS

: any of various crucifers with moderately pungent leaves used especially in salads: as

a : a watercress (Nasturtium officinale)

b : garden cress

Origin of CRESS

Middle English cresse, from Old English cærse, cressa; akin to Old High German kressa cress

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with CRESS

bless, cess, chess, dress, ess, fess, guess, jess, less, loess, mess, ness, press, s, stress, tress, yes

cress

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Any of several plants of the mustard family, of interest for their spicy young basal leaves, which are used in salads and as seasonings and garnishes. Watercress is perhaps the most popular of the edible cresses. Common garden cress, or peppergrass (Lepidium sativum) is widely grown, especially in its curl-leaved form, and used as a garnish. Others include weeds (e.g., Barbarea vulgaris), wild varieties (e.g., Cardamine pratensis), and ornamentals (e.g., Arabis species).