devil's nettle
The term "devil's nettle" is used to describe plants associated with stinging or irritating properties, often linked to folklore and superstition.
Definition
B2Botany
(common, informal)A flowering plant, Achillea millefolium, also known as common yarrow, native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Example
- The herbalist recommended using devil's nettle for its medicinal properties.
- In some cultures, devil's nettle is used in traditional remedies.
B2Botany
(common, informal)A species of nettle, Dendrocnide sinuata, found in Australia and South Asia, known for its stinging hairs.
Example
- Hikers are advised to avoid areas where devil's nettle grows due to its painful sting.
- The forest guide pointed out the devil's nettle and warned us to stay clear.
C1Folklore
(historical, cultural)A name for yarrow, derived from its association with the devil or witches in European folklore.
Example
- In old European tales, devil's nettle was believed to have magical properties.
- Children in England once played a game involving devil's nettle, believing it had mystical effects.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "devil's nettle":
devil's paintbrushdevil's darning needledevil's fingerdevil's ropedevil's walking sticksea nettledevil's clawdevil's bitprickly nightshadedevil's cottonhairy nightshadehog grassdevil's dustdevil's gripwoolly nightshadered nightshadegreen nightshadehoe nightshadeblack nightshadedragon's wortrattlesnake weed