safflower

noun

saf·​flow·​er ˈsa-ˌflau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce safflower (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Its secret lies in its potent ingredient list: a blend of safflower seed, jojoba, and avocado oils that work together to soften and deeply hydrate strands perfect for a nourishing weekly treatment for curly and coily hair, and especially 4A-4C hair types. Iman Balagam, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2024 Replace sunflower seeds with safflower to attract grosbeaks, cardinals and chickadees. Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 9 Sep. 2024 The Shiseido Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Day Cream SPF 30 is spiked with a safflower extract native to Japan to help lift, firm, and even skin tone. Devon Abelman, Allure, 12 Aug. 2024 The standouts for me were avocado and safflower seed oil, which are known to hydrate without being too heavy. Jessica Fields, Essence, 29 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for safflower 

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

circa 1660, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of safflower was circa 1660

Dictionary Entries Near safflower

Cite this Entry

“Safflower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/safflower. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

safflower

noun
saf·​flow·​er ˈsaf-ˌlau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce safflower (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce safflower (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on safflower

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!