silvertop
noun
plural -s
Definition of silvertop
1
: an abnormal condition of various plants marked by whitened patches on the leaves and distortion and dwarfing of growing parts and caused by the feeding of insects or mites:
a
: such a condition of cereal and other grasses caused usually by a mite (Sitopteres graminum)
b
: a widespread condition of onions caused by the onion thrips
2 or silvertop palmetto
a
: a rather small stocky fan palm (Thrinax microcarpa) of southernmost Florida and Cuba that has broad fan-shaped long-petioled leaves pale green above and whitish and tomentose below
— called also silver thatch
b
: any of various usually low-growing and silvery-leaved palms (such as a silver palm) of southern Florida or the West Indies that resemble or are related to the common silvertop