Definition of nettle
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: any of a genus (Urtica of the family Urticaceae, the nettle family) of chiefly coarse herbs armed with stinging hairs
… legs, which smarted from the stings of nettles …— James Stephens
2
: any of various prickly or stinging plants other than the true nettles (genus Urtica)
nettle
verb
Definition of nettle (Entry 2 of 2)
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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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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The first known use of nettle was before the 12th century
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