ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
( -s )
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 (as a silver palm) of southern Florida or the West Indies that resemble or are related to the common silvertop
3. : any of several eucalypts: as
a. : shining gum
b. : spotted gum