— nettlelike , adj. — nettler , n. — nettly , adj.
/net"l/ , n. , v. , nettled, nettling .
n.
1. any plant of the genus Urtica, covered with stinging hairs. Cf. nettle family .
2. any of various allied or similar plants.
3. grasp the nettle , Australian. to undertake or tackle an unpleasant task.
v.t.
4. to irritate, annoy, or provoke.
5. to sting as a nettle does.
[ bef. 900; ME; OE netele (n.); c. D netel, G Nessel, Norw netla ]