nettle
nettle Lexical Profile
nettle Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A herbaceous plant of the genus Urtica, widely distributed in temperate regions, characterized by jagged leaves that are covered with stinging hairs capable of releasing irritating chemicals upon contact with skin.
"While hiking through the dense woodland, she accidentally brushed her bare leg against a nettle and felt an immediate, sharp stinging sensation."
• verb
To irritate, annoy, or provoke someone, especially slightly or persistently.
"The manager's constant micromanagement began to nettle the experienced team members."
To sting or prick as if with a stinging plant.
"His deeply critical remarks seemed to nettle her pride, leaving her quiet and resentful for the remainder of the evening."
• Rhymes for nettle
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'netele', derived from Proto-Germanic 'natilōn', which is likely from a Proto-Indo-European root related to spinning or sewing, referring to the plant's strong fibrous stems historically used to make thread.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.