I. ˈne-t ə l noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English netel; akin to Old High German nazza nettle, Greek adikē
Date: before 12th century
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 )
[
nettle 1
]
II. transitive verb
( net·tled ; net·tling ˈnet-liŋ, ˈne-t ə l-iŋ)
Date: 15th century
1. : to strike or sting with or as if with nettles
2. : to arouse to sharp but transitory annoyance or anger
Synonyms: see irritate