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.
⇒ Nuisances are public when they annoy citizens in general; private, when they affect individuals only.
© Webster 1913.