Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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 : WordNet®

nuisance
     n 1: (law) a broad legal concept including anything that disturbs
          the reasonable use of your property or endangers life
          and health or is offensive
     2: a bothersome annoying person; "that kid is a terrible pain"
        [syn: {pain}, {pain in the neck}]