Nas-tûr'tium, n.

n. [Lat. nasturtium, as if nasitortium, because it distorts the nose, from nasus, nose, and torquere, tortum, to twist, torture.] (Bot.) (a.) 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. (b.) A plant of the genus Tropaeolum (T. majus); Indian cress. It is a climbing plant, having peltate leaves, and spurred flowers of a vivid yellow or orange color, and strong odor. The fleshy fruits have a warm, pungent flavor, like the cress, and are used for pickles. It is originally a native of America. [Written also nasturtion.]