n.
a herbaceous plant having jagged leaves covered with stinging hairs.
[
Urtica dioica and other species.]
▸used in names of plants of a similar appearance, e.g. dead-nettle.
v.
- annoy; irritate.
- archaic sting with nettles.
Phrase
- grasp the nettle
Brit. tackle a difficulty boldly.
Etymology
OE netle, netele, of Gmc origin.
