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nettled - 2 dictionary results

net⋅tle

[net-l] noun, verb, -tled, -tling.
–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.
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


net⋅tle⋅like, adjective
nettler, noun
nettly, adjective
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.]
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