Exploit some curious effect (3)
I believe the answer is:
use
'exploit' is the definition.
(use is a kind of exploit)
'some curious effect' is the wordplay.
'some' says the answer is hidden in the clue (some of the parts of the word are used).
'USE' can be found hidden inside 'curious effect'.
(Other definitions for use that I've seen before include "Employ; consume" , "Custom - service" , "Profit" , "Exploit; custom" , "Put into service, do something with" .)