from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Nettle \Net"tle\, n. [AS. netele; akin to D. netel, G. nessel,
OHG. nezz["i]la, nazza, Dan. nelde, n[aum]lde, Sw.
n[aum]ssla; cf, Lith. notere.] (Bot.)
A plant of the genus {Urtica}, covered with minute sharp
hairs containing a poison that produces a stinging sensation.
{Urtica gracilis} is common in the Northern, and {Urtica
chamaedryoides} in the Southern, United States. The common
European species, {Urtica urens} and {Urtica dioica}, are
also found in the Eastern united States. {Urtica pilulifera}
is the Roman nettle of England.
[1913 Webster]
Note: The term nettle has been given to many plants related
to, or to some way resembling, the true nettle; as:
{Australian nettle}, a stinging tree or shrub of the genus
{Laportea} (as {Laportea gigas} and {Laportea moroides});
-- also called {nettle tree}.
{Bee nettle}, {Hemp nettle}, a species of {Galeopsis}. See
under {Hemp}.
{Blind nettle}, {Dead nettle}, a harmless species of
{Lamium}.
{False nettle} ({Baehmeria cylindrica}), a plant common in
the United States, and related to the true nettles.
{Hedge nettle}, a species of {Stachys}. See under {Hedge}.
{Horse nettle} ({Solanum Carolinense}). See under {Horse}.
{nettle tree}.
(a) Same as {Hackberry}.
(b) See {Australian nettle} (above).
{Spurge nettle}, a stinging American herb of the Spurge
family ({Jatropha urens}).
{Wood nettle}, a plant ({Laportea Canadensis}) which stings
severely, and is related to the true nettles.
[1913 Webster]
{Nettle cloth}, a kind of thick cotton stuff, japanned, and
used as a substitute for leather for various purposes.
{Nettle rash} (Med.), an eruptive disease resembling the
effects of whipping with nettles.
{Sea nettle} (Zool.), a medusa.
[1913 Webster]