Nuisance \Nui"sance\, n. [OE. noisance, OF. noisance, nuisance, fr. L. nocentia guilt, fr. nocere to hurt, harm; akin to necare to kill. Cf Necromancy, Nocent, Noxious, Pernicious.]

That which annoys or gives trouble and vexation; that which is offensive or noxious.

Note: Nuisances are public when they annoy citizens in general; private, when they affect individuals only.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)