Definition

Noun: * A small, invasive, self-pollinating weed (Arabidopsis thaliana) characterized by its small white flowers. It is a model organism extensively studied in plant genetics and was the first higher plant to have its complete genome sequenced.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The laboratory is cultivating mouse-ear cress for genetic research.
  • Due to its rapid life cycle, mouse-ear cress is an ideal model for plant biology studies.
  • The complete genome sequence of mouse-ear cress was a landmark achievement in botany.

Advanced Usage

• As a model organism: The term is almost exclusively used in scientific contexts to refer to in its role as a fundamental research tool.
  • Many discoveries in plant development were first made in mouse-ear cress.

Variants and Related Words

• Thale cress: A common alternative name for the same plant species ().
• Arabidopsis: The genus name, often used synonymously in scientific literature.
• Model organism: A non-human species studied to understand biological processes.

Synonyms

• Thale cress
• Arabidopsis thaliana (scientific name)

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning is botanical and scientific. It refers specifically to the species , not to other types of "cress." Its significance lies less in its identity as a common weed and more in its pivotal role as a model system in genetic and molecular plant research.

Noun

1. a small invasive self-pollinating weed with small white flowers; much studied by plant geneticists; the first higher plant whose complete genome sequence was described