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

Linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that is found in corn, peanut, soybean, safflower and sunflower oils, is the most common omega-6 in the US food supply. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 11 Dec. 2024

Safflower oil, or Carthamus tinctorius, is a seed oil made from the safflower plant. —Cristina Mutchler, Health, 17 Dec. 2024

This one is made with a combination of shea butter, coconut oil, and safflower seed oil. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2024

Use a tube feeder with black oil sunflower, safflower seed, or peanuts for finches and chickadees. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 5 Dec. 2024

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

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