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

Another $10 mini included in Ulta’s sale is the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover, a lightweight balm for all skin types made with safflower seed oil, which is designed to leave the skin feeling soft. —Buy Side Staff, wsj.com, 1 Nov. 2023

Each of these handcrafted eggs is hand-decorated with natural colours in greens and blues (made from safflower and spirulina) to represent the earth and sky. —Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2023

The best bets for cooking oil are likely from sunflower and safflower crops, which are generally GMO–free and not especially water-hungry. —Melissa Breyer, Treehugger, 4 Aug. 2023

The two oils—referred to as sun oils—are vegetable oils derived from the seeds of sunflower and safflower plants. —Clarisa Diaz, Quartz, 3 Mar. 2022

Another standout product by the Beauty of Joseon line, this cream contains 2% niacinamide, 5% of ginseng, honey extract, safflower seed oil and corn milk, as well as three types of hyaluronic acid, that may moisturize and firm skin. —Elizabeth Berry, Good Housekeeping, 12 July 2023

The Humane Society recommends safflower seed for attracting cardinals, chickadees and titmice; nyjer thistle for goldfinches; and white proso millet for mourning doves and house finches. —Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 30 June 2023

And many of the fields that have flooded were planted with seasonal row crops such as tomatoes, cotton and safflower. —Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2023

Vegetable oil: Any other neutral oil (canola, safflower, peanut, grapeseed) can also be used in this homemade salad dressing recipe. —Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 23 June 2023

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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

• 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