curly top

noun

, Plant Pathology.

1. a disease of plants, especially beets, characterized by puckered or cupped leaves and stunting or distortion, caused by a virus, Ruga verrucosans.

Word History and Origins

Origin of curly top¹

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05

Example Sentences

"White Buffalo would not harm one hair of little Nell's head," and he stroked the curly top affectionately.

From Project Gutenberg

The cause is likely a virus, similar to or identical with the curly top of beets.

From Project Gutenberg