saffron

[saf-ruhn]

noun

1. Also called vegetable gold. a crocus, Crocus sativus, having showy purple flowers.

2. an orange-colored condiment consisting of its dried stigmas, used to color and flavor foods.

3. Also saffron yellow a yellowish-orange color.

saffron

/ ˈsæfrən /

noun

1. an Old World crocus, Crocus sativus, having purple or white flowers with orange stigmas

2. the dried stigmas of this plant, used to flavour or colour food

3. another name for autumn crocus

4. another name for safflower

5. 1. an orange to orange-yellow colour

   2. ( as adjective )

      a saffron dress

Word History and Origins

Origin of saffron¹

1150–1200; Middle English saffran, saffron Old French safran < Medieval Latin saffrānum < Arabic zaʿfarān

Word History and Origins

Origin of saffron¹

C13: from Old French safran, from Medieval Latin safranum, from Arabic za'farān

Example Sentences

Her saffron sari was drenched in blood and she had no pulse.

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There are Persian restaurants and bookstores and shops selling the saffron and rose ice cream popular in Iran.

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Fava beans are exceptional in a spring risotto, like this recipe from NYT Cooking that incorporates asparagus and saffron, or pasta primavera, or even a fava bean lemon ricotta dip spread on crostini.

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If using, place saffron threads in sherry or bourbon to soften while the stew simmers, about 20 minutes.

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With their annual income at their fingertips, a family of saffron farmers pluck delicate crimson stigmas from crocus flowers grown high in India’s Kashmir Valley.

Read more on Science Magazine