What does the cryptic crossword clue "When nicest old girl gets nasty disease (10)" mean?

The definition is "nasty". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). AS (synonym="”When”") + BEST (synonym="”nicest”") + O (synonym="old") + SIS (synonym="sister, girl") = ASBESTOSIS; definition: "disease" The answer is ASBESTOSIS.

When nicest old girl gets nasty disease (10)

Guardian Cryptic #29257 | 18 Across | 2023-12-19 flower

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