ETYM Old Eng. ces, cresse, kers, kerse, AS. cresse, cerse; akin to Dutch kers, German kresse, Dan. karse, Swed. krasse, and possibly also to Old High Germ. chresan to creep.
1. Any of various plants of the family Cruciferae having edible pungent-tasting leaves; SYN. cress plant.
2. Pungent leaves of any of numerous cruciferous herbs.
Any of several plants of the Cruciferae family, characterized by a pungent taste. The common European garden cress Lepidium sativum is cultivated worldwide.