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

She played the anti-Shirley, a bright, talky, mischief-prone girl with wide eyes, chubby cheeks and straight black hair that contrasted with Shirley’s blonde curly top.

From Fox News

She played the anti-Shirley, a bright, talky, mischief-prone girl with wide eyes, chubby cheeks and straight black hair that contrasted with Shirley’s blonde curly top.

From Seattle Times

“Forget this Edward, curly top. My name is Mat and I am six times the man he is. Climb up here on this hay bale and give me a warm, sticky kiss.”

From Literature

In 1999 the American Film Institute ranked Temple as No. 18 among their top 25 actresses and she is credited with helping save 20th Century Fox from bankruptcy with films such as 1935's “Curly Top” and “The Littlest Rebel.”

From Fox News

“Just to see him on the bench,” Kris said, “just to get a glimpse of that curly top and his little chin-strap beard he’s got going … I’m just proud constantly of the kid.”

From Los Angeles Times