NETTLE Meaning and
Definition
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Nettle is a noun that commonly refers to a perennial herbaceous plant, scientifically known as Urtica dioica, which is part of the Urticaceae family. It is characterized by its erect, stinging hairs that release histamines and other chemicals when touched, causing a temporary stinging and irritating sensation on the skin. The plant typically grows in temperate regions and is recognizable by its serrated leaves, small greenish flowers, and sharp bristles and spines.
The word nettle can also be used as a verb, meaning to irritate or provoke someone. In this sense, it metaphorically captures the stinging effect of the actual plant. It conveys the act of provoking or annoying someone, often in a deliberate or persistent manner. It may involve heightened emotions, agitation, or discomfort caused by someone's words or actions.
Furthermore, the term nettle has its origins in Old English and Old High German, where it was originally used to describe the plant. The word has developed over time to encompass both the physical plant and the more metaphorical concept of frustrating or irritating someone. Nettle, in its noun and verb forms, is often used in various contexts, such as botany, gardening, nature, and idiomatic expressions to describe both the plant itself and interpersonal interactions.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• A well-known stinging plant.
• To irritate; to provoke; to excite feelings of displeasure or uneasiness in.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for NETTLE
Etymology of NETTLE
The word nettle comes from the Old English word netel, which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word natilaz. This Proto-Germanic word is thought to be related to the Proto-Indo-European root ned, meaning to twist or bind. This likely refers to the stinging sensation caused by the hairs on the leaves and stems of the nettle plant. The word has undergone various changes over time, including netele in Middle English before settling on its current form, nettle.
Idioms with the word NETTLE
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grasp the nettle
To grasp the nettle means to tackle a difficult or unpleasant situation or issue directly and decisively. It implies taking courageous or bold action in order to confront and resolve a problem, rather than avoiding or neglecting it. This idiom often suggests that addressing a challenging situation head-on is the most efficient and effective way to overcome it.
Similar spelling words for NETTLE
Conjugate verb Nettle
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have nettled
you
would have nettled
he/she/it
would have nettled
we
would have nettled
they
would have nettled
I
would have nettle
you
would have nettle
he/she/it
would have nettle
we
would have nettle
they
would have nettle
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been nettling
you
would have been nettling
he/she/it
would have been nettling
we
would have been nettling
they
would have been nettling
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would nettle
you
would nettle
he/she/it
would nettle
we
would nettle
they
would nettle
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be nettling
you
would be nettling
he/she/it
would be nettling
we
would be nettling
they
would be nettling
FUTURE
I
will nettle
you
will nettle
he/she/it
will nettle
we
will nettle
they
will nettle
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be nettling
you
will be nettling
he/she/it
will be nettling
we
will be nettling
they
will be nettling
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have nettled
you
will have nettled
he/she/it
will have nettled
we
will have nettled
they
will have nettled
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been nettling
you
will have been nettling
he/she/it
will have been nettling
we
will have been nettling
they
will have been nettling
IMPERATIVE
you
nettle
we
let´s nettle
to nettle
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was nettling
you
were nettling
he/she/it
was nettling
we
were nettling
they
were nettling
PAST PARTICIPLE
nettled
PAST PERFECT
I
had nettled
you
had nettled
he/she/it
had nettled
we
had nettled
they
had nettled
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been nettling
you
had been nettling
he/she/it
had been nettling
we
had been nettling
they
had been nettling
PRESENT
I
nettle
you
nettle
he/she/it
nettles
we
nettle
they
nettle
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am nettling
you
are nettling
he/she/it
is nettling
we
are nettling
they
are nettling
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
nettling
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have nettled
you
have nettled
he/she/it
has nettled
we
have nettled
they
have nettled
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been nettling
you
have been nettling
he/she/it
has been nettling
we
have been nettling
they
have been nettling
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
nettle
SIMPLE PAST
I
nettled
you
nettled
he/she/it
nettled
we
nettled
they
nettled
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