safflower

noun

saf·flow·er | \ ˈsa-ˌflau̇(-ə)r

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

Examples of safflower in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Larger species like cardinals prefer safflower or sunflower seeds. — Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, "Here's How Birds Stay Warm in the Winter, In Case You Were Wondering," 1 Feb. 2019 In the car, Maya had pointed out sites like the safflower farm that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Only Yesterday, a 1991 anime favorite. — Adam H. Graham, Condé Nast Traveler, "Slow Skiing in Japan's Deep North," 11 Oct. 2018 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

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.

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Last Updated

18 Feb 2019

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The first known use of safflower was circa 1660

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More Definitions for safflower

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