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

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

Combo and normal skin types can benefit from hemp seed oil, grapefruit, safflower, and sunflower. —Larry Stansbury, Essence, 10 July 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