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nettled - 2 dictionary results

net⋅tle

  [net-l] noun, verb, -tled, -tling.
Use nettled in a Sentence
–noun
1. any plant of the genus Urtica, covered with stinging hairs. Compare nettle family.
2. any of various allied or similar plants.
–verb (used with object)
3. to irritate, annoy, or provoke.
4. to sting as a nettle does.
—Idiom
5. grasp the nettle, Australian. to undertake or tackle an unpleasant task.
Origin:
bef. 900; ME; OE netele (n.); c. D netel, G Nessel, Norw netla

Related forms:
net⋅tle⋅like, adjective
nettler, noun
nettly, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To nettled
net·tle   (nět'l)   
n.  
  1. Any of numerous plants of the genus Urtica, having toothed leaves, unisexual apetalous flowers, and stinging hairs that cause skin irritation on contact.
  2. Any of various hairy, stinging, or prickly plants.
tr.v.   net·tled, net·tling, net·tles
  1. To sting with or as if with a nettle.
  2. To irritate; vex.

[Middle English, from Old English netele; see ned- in Indo-European roots.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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