n. & v.
n. 1 any plant of the genus Urtica, esp. U. dioica, with jagged leaves covered with stinging hairs. 2 any of various plants resembling this.
v.tr. 1 irritate, provoke, annoy. 2 sting with nettles. nettle-rash a skin eruption like nettle stings.
[ OE netle, netele ]