A plant with fuzzy leaves and stems that sting or irritate your skin when you touch them, or to annoy someone.
From Old English 'netle' or 'noetl,' related to Proto-Germanic 'natilaz,' possibly connected to 'knot' because of the plant's knotted appearance. The verb meaning 'to annoy' comes from the stinging sensation the plant causes.
Grasp a nettle firmly and it won't sting you, but touch it gently and you'll be covered in welts—this backwards logic became the origin of the phrase 'grasp the nettle,' meaning face a problem head-on rather than timidly.
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