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nettle definition

net·tle (net′'l)

noun

  1. any of a genus (Urtica) of annual and perennial weeds of the nettle family with stinging hairs
  2. any of various other stinging or spiny plants

Etymology: ME netle < OE netele, akin to Ger nessel < IE base *ned-, to twist together > net: from the use of such plants as a source of spinning fiber

adjective

designating a family (Urticaceae, order Urticales) of chiefly tropical, dicotyledonous plants usually covered with stinging hairs, including the ramie

transitive verb nettled -·tled, nettling -·tling

  1. to sting with or as with nettles
  2. to irritate; annoy; vex

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