safflower

noun

saf·​flow·​er ˈsa-ˌflau̇(-ə)r 

: a widely cultivated Old World composite herb (Carthamus tinctorius) with large usually orange or red flower heads and seeds rich in oil

also : a red dyestuff prepared from the flower heads

Examples of safflower in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It’s infused with moisture-rich ingredients like safflower seed oil, marigold extract, and amber extract to give your hair a silky finish and reflective shine. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 30 June 2025

Its non-greasy, lightweight, and features ingredients that can help nourish your scalp (think: antioxidant rich safflower and sunflower seed oils. —Kristine Thomason, Vogue, 6 May 2025

The other seed oils of concern are corn, cottonseed, grapeseed, sunflower, safflower and rice bran oils. —Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 31 May 2025

In addition to its active ingredients, the conditioning cleanser has green tea and safflower extracts to soothe the scalp and kukui nut oil for added moisture. —Jenny Berg, Allure, 17 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle French saffleur, from Old Italian saffiore, from Arabic ʽaṣfar, ʽuṣfur

First Known Use

circa 1660, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing safflower

• safflower oil

Rhymes for safflower

• airpower
• brainpower
• devour
• empower
• firepower
• horsepower
• manpower
• mayflower
• sunflower
• wallflower
• watchtower
• wildflower

Kids Definition

safflower

noun

saf·​flow·​er ˈsaf-ˌlau̇(-ə)r 

: a widely grown Old World herb related to the daisies that has large orange or red flower heads that are the source of a dye and seeds rich in edible oil

Medical Definition

safflower

noun

saf·​flow·​er ˈsaf-ˌlau̇(-ə)r 

1

: a widely grown Old World composite herb (Carthamus tinctorius) that has large orange or red flower heads from which a red dyestuff is prepared and seeds rich in oil

2

: a drug consisting of the dried florets of the safflower that has been used in medicine in place of saffron

called also carthamus