Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun Same as nasturtium, 2.

Etymologies

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Examples

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  • ‘Nasturtian’ is used to refer to Indian Cress Tropaeolum Majus. ‘Nasturtium’ might be used to refer to Watercress Nasturtium officinale. Most people do not know it, but the term ‘nasturtium’ for Indian Cress is false. It should actually refer to Water cress.

    The word appears to be a common Anglicisation that started after ‘Indian Cress’ was naturalized from Peru around the 18th century, but unfortunately, it remains a minority usage.

    ‘Nasturtion’ is also found, though I think it is much rarer, even than nasturtian, which I prefer.

    Nasturtium means ‘nose-twister’ in Latin, a reference to the peppery flavour of watercress leaves. The leaves and flowers of Tropaeolum have a similar flavour and are sometimes eaten in salads, as reflected in the name "Indian Cress." Presumably this led to the transfer of the name from one species to the other.

    October 11, 2009

  • ‘Nasturtian’ is used to refer to Indian Cress Tropaeolum Majus. ‘Nasturtium’ might be used to refer to Watercress Nasturtium officinale. Most people do not know it, but the term ‘nasturtium’ for Indian Cress is false. It should actually refer to Water cress.

    The word appears to be a common Anglicisation that started after ‘Indian Cress’ was naturalized from Peru around the 18th century, but unfortunately, it remains a minority usage.

    ‘Nasturtion’ is also found, though I think it is much rarer, even than nasturtian, which I prefer.

    Nasturtium means ‘nose-twister’ in Latin, a reference to the peppery flavour of watercress leaves. The leaves and flowers of Tropaeolum have a similar flavour and are sometimes eaten in salads, as reflected in the name "Indian Cress." Presumably this led to the transfer of the name from one species to the other.

    October 11, 2009

  • ‘Nasturtian’ is used to refer to Indian Cress Tropaeolum Majus. ‘Nasturtium’ might be used to refer to Watercress Nasturtium officinale. Most people do not know it, but the term ‘nasturtium’ for Indian Cress is false. It should actually refer to Water cress.

    The word appears to be a common Anglicisation that started after ‘Indian Cress’ was naturalized from Peru around the 18th century, but unfortunately, it remains a minority usage.

    ‘Nasturtion’ is also found, though I think it is much rarer, even than nasturtian, which I prefer.

    Nasturtium means ‘nose-twister’ in Latin, a reference to the peppery flavour of watercress leaves. The leaves and flowers of Tropaeolum have a similar flavour and are sometimes eaten in salads, as reflected in the name "Indian Cress." Presumably this led to the transfer of the name from one species to the other.

    October 12, 2009