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

The conditioner is packed with panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) and lightweight hydrators like coconut and safflower seed oils, delivering moisture for thinning hair without adding unnecessary weight. —Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026

Additionally, safflower seeds, peanuts, cracked corn and suet nuggets are also popular with the grosbeaks. —Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026

Fill feeders with less desirable seeds such as safflower, millet and thistle. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2026

The silky balm-to-oil uses safflower seed oil to dissolve makeup and unclog pores. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2026

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

Rhymes for safflower

• airpower
• brainpower
• devour
• empower
• firepower
• horsepower
• manpower
• mayflower
• sunflower
• wallflower
• watchtower
• wildflower

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