safflower

noun saf·flow·er \ ˈsa-ˌflau̇(-ə)r \

|Updated on: 22 Jul 2018

Definition of safflower

: 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

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Recent Examples of safflower from the Web

Or choose a neutral oil, such as canola, grape seed, safflower or sunflower, Rosen says.

— becky krystal, sacbee, "Shake it up: Lots of vinaigrette options," 10 July 2018
Fry them in shallow vegetable oil (one with a high smoke point such as safflower or peanut is ideal).

— sally pasley vargas, BostonGlobe.com, "Recipe: Crispy soft-shell crabs and chipotle mayo fill these po’ boy sandwiches," 18 June 2018
There are several oils in the wash: soybean, grape seed, coconut, sunflower seed, safflower seed, meadowfoam seed, sesame, and olive oil.

— ashley weatherford, The Cut, "Glossier’s Oil Wash Will Make You Excited to Wake Up Early," 18 Sep. 2017
Avocado, grapeseed, hazelnut, sesame, truffle, walnut, safflower and sunflower: Delicate oils that are especially prone to rancidity, especially if exposed to too much light or heat.

— jessica teich, USA TODAY, "You've been storing your food wrong—here are all the right ways," 13 Sep. 2017
The formula is packed with safflower seed oil, coconut oil, and extracts of white tea, shea butter, and cocoa seed butter (think of it as a giant cleansing oil for your body).

— rachel jacoby zoldan, Teen Vogue, "Bath and Body Works Launches Oil to Cream Aromatherapy Cleanser," 25 Aug. 2017
This hydrating 'poo is made with — count 'em — six nourishing oils (argan, coconut, sweet almond, grapeseed, macadamia nut, and safflower seed) to keep hair soft, shiny, and far from frizzy.

— sarah kinonen, Allure, "The 9 Best-Selling Shampoos at Sephora," 21 Aug. 2017
The body moisturizer is packed with safflower oil, aloe and essential fatty acids, and left our upper arms moisturized for hours without any sticky feeling.

— rachel nussbaum, Glamour, "Everything From This New Lifestyle Brand Is $3—and It's Legit," 11 July 2017
Natural options include argan or safflower oils, which are high in linoleic acid.

— dr. leslie baumann, miamiherald, "Do newborns need moisturizer?," 26 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'safflower.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of safflower

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1660

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

safflower

noun saf·flow·er \ ˈsaf-ˌlau̇(-ə)r \

medical Definition of safflower

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