horseradish

horseradish

Hardy perennial plant (Armoracia lapathifolia) of the mustard family, native to Mediterranean lands and grown throughout the temperate zones. Its hotly pungent, fleshy root is used as a condiment and is traditionally considered medicinal. In many cool, moist areas it has become a troublesome weed. The plant bears small white flowers, small oblong pods, and large, coarse, glossy-green basal leaves arising on long stems from the crown atop the large white root.

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horseradish

1. a coarse Eurasian plant, Armoracia rusticana, cultivated for its thick white pungent root: family Brassicaceae (crucifers)

2. the root of this plant, which is ground and combined with vinegar, etc., to make a sauce

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horseradish [′hȯrs¦rad·ish]

(botany)

Armoracia rusticana.A perennial crucifer belonging to the order Capparales and grown for its pungent roots, used as a condiment.