safflower

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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

Recent Examples of safflower from the Web

Keeping medians mowed is an expense, but planting crops such as safflower, camelina, canola and perennial flax could more than pay for the upkeep while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

— john gartner, WIRED, "Utah Creates Biodiesel Highway", 18 May 2007

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

First Known Use: circa 1660

Medical Dictionary

safflower

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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