Dictionary
1nettle
noun net·tle \ˈne-təl\
: a tall plant that has leaves with hairs that sting you if you touch them
Full Definition of NETTLE
1
: any of a genus (Urtica of the family Urticaceae, the nettle family) of chiefly coarse herbs armed with stinging hairs
2
: any of various prickly or stinging plants other than the true nettles (genus Urtica)
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Origin of NETTLE
Middle English, from Old English netel; akin to Old High German nazza nettle, Greek adikē
First Known Use: before 12th century
2nettle
verb
: to make (someone) angry
net·tlednet·tling \ˈnet-liŋ, ˈne-təl-iŋ\
Full Definition of NETTLE
transitive verb
1
: to strike or sting with or as if with nettles
2
: to arouse to sharp but transitory annoyance or anger
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First Known Use of NETTLE
15th century
Related to NETTLE
Synonym Discussion of NETTLE
irritate, exasperate, nettle, provoke, rile, peeve mean to excite a feeling of anger or annoyance. irritate implies an often gradual arousing of angry feelings that may range from mere impatience to rage <constant nagging that irritated me greatly>. exasperate suggests galling annoyance and the arousing of extreme impatience <his exasperating habit of putting off needed decisions>. nettle suggests a sharp but passing annoyance or stinging <your pompous attitude nettled several people>. provoke implies an arousing of strong annoyance that may excite to action <remarks made solely to provoke her>. rile implies inducing an angry or resentful agitation <the new work schedules riled the employees>. peeve suggests arousing fretful often petty or querulous irritation <a toddler peeved at being refused a cookie>.
NETTLE Defined for Kids
nettle
noun net·tle \ˈne-təl\
Definition of NETTLE for Kids
: a tall plant with hairs on the leaves that when touched can cause a painful skin rash
Medical Dictionary
nettle
noun net·tle \ˈnet-əl\
Medical Definition of NETTLE
1
: any plant of the genus Urtica (family Urticaceae, the nettle family)
2
: any of various prickly or stinging plants other than one of the genus Urtica
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