safflower

[ saf-lou-er ]

noun

1. a thistlelike composite plant, Carthamus tinctorius, native to the Old World, having finely toothed leaves and large, orange-red flower heads.
2. its dried florets, used medicinally or as a red dyestuff.

safflower

/ ˈsæflaʊə /

noun

1. a thistle-like Eurasian annual plant, Carthamus tinctorius, having large heads of orange-yellow flowers and yielding a dye and an oil used in paints, medicines, etc: family Asteraceae (composites)
2. a red dye used for cotton and for colouring foods and cosmetics, or a drug obtained from the florets of this plant

Word History and Origins

Origin of safflower¹

1575–85; < Dutch saffloer < Middle French safleur, alteration (assimilated to safran saffron and fleur flower ) of Italian asfori < Arabic aṣfar yellow

Word History and Origins

Origin of safflower¹

C16: via Dutch saffloer or German safflor from Old French saffleur, from Early Italian saffiore, of uncertain origin. Influenced by saffron , flower

Example Sentences

Furthermore, oils derived from radish seeds, safflower, and sesame were employed in cooking.

From Realm of History

Fertilizer and fuel shortages are also making it difficult to produce crops like wheat, corn, sunflower, and safflower, complicating a critical planting season that starts in April in Ukraine.

From Quartz

Ukraine is the largest exporter of sunflower oil in the world, responsible for up to 46% of sunflower-seed and safflower oil production, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity.

From Time

Silk dyed pink, with safflower, when heated to 400° F. becomes of a dirty white hue in the course of an hour.

From Project Gutenberg

Yellow is given with the yellow colouring matter of safflower (carthamus,) which is readily extracted by water.

From Project Gutenberg

The third group includes safflower, magenta, and murexide (light shades).

From Project Gutenberg

Safflower turns yellow by the action of potassa, and the original rose shade is not restored by washing with water.

From Project Gutenberg

Safflower, saf′flow-ėr, n. an annual herbaceous composite plant, cultivated all over India for its red dye—Carthamine.

From Project Gutenberg