Category:Nasturtium

Nas*tur"tium, n. Etym: [l. nasturtium, for nasitortium, fr. nasus Nose + torquere, tortum, to twist, torture, in allusion to the Causing one to make a wry face by its pungent taste. See nose of the Face, and torture.]

1. (bot.)

Defn: a genus of cruciferous plants, having white or yellowish Flowers, including several species of cress. They are found chiefly In wet or damp grounds, and have a pungent biting taste.

2. (bot.)

Defn: any plant of the genus tropæolum, geraniaceous herbs, having Mostly climbing stems, peltate leaves, and spurred flowers, and Including the common indian cress (tropæolum majus), the canary-bird Flower (t. peregrinum), and about thirty more species, all natives of South america. The whole plant has a warm pungent flavor, and the Fleshy fruits are used as a substitute for capers, while the leaves And flowers are sometimes used in salads.