leaf curl

noun

: any of numerous plant diseases caused by ascomycetous fungi (genus Taphrina of the family Taphrinaceae) or viruses (especially genus Begomovirus of the family Geminiviridae) and characterized by curling of leaves
especially : peach leaf curl

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Spray dormant fruit trees now to prevent leaf curl, fire blight, downy mildew, aphids, scale and other problems in spring and summer. Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2023 Here are the top 5 causes for tomato leaf curl and what to do about each problem. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2022 Spray dormant fruit trees now to prevent leaf curl, fire blight, downy mildew, aphids, scale and other issues in spring and summer. San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Jan. 2022 This kind of extreme leaf curl is usually due to stress of one sort of another. Neil Sperry, ExpressNews.com, 26 Sep. 2019 Some leaf curling as well, but the blooms seem fine so far, though extremely slow to bloom. oregonlive.com, 19 July 2019 Leaf Blisters + Curls Leaf blister and leaf curl are fungal diseases that cause distorted, curled leaves on many trees. The Editors Of Organic Life, Good Housekeeping, 21 July 2015 This is especially important with peaches and nectarines to fight leaf curl; use a spray that contains copper. Debbie Arrington, sacbee, 9 Feb. 2018 They are supposed to be disease-resistant but have had a severe leaf curl problem since last season. OregonLive.com, 21 Apr. 2018 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'leaf curl.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leaf curl was in 1850

Dictionary Entries Near leaf curl

Cite this Entry

“Leaf curl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leaf%20curl. Accessed 22 Mar. 2023.

More from Merriam-Webster on leaf curl

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


Which Came First?

  • baby chick with a brown egg
  • hot take or cold shoulder?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY