watercress

noun

Etymology: From Middle English water cresse, water-kresse, watercrasse, water cars, equivalent to water + cress. Cognate with West Frisian waterkers (“watercress”), Dutch waterkers (“watercress”), Swedish vattenkrasse (“watercress”).

1. A perennial European herb, Nasturtium officinale, that grows in freshwater streams; used in salads and as a garnish.

   “A spring wells up in the centre of the village, and watercress beds lie beside the stream running alongside the main street.”

2. A similar plant, Nasturtium microphyllum.