sunflower

[suhn-flou-er]

noun

1. any of various composite plants of the genus Helianthus, as H. annuus, having showy, yellow-rayed flower heads often 12 inches (30 centimeters) wide, and edible seeds that yield an oil with a wide variety of uses: the state flower of Kansas.

2. Also called aster. Furniture.,  a conventionalized flower motif carved in the center panels of a Connecticut chest.

sunflower

/ ˈsʌnˌflaʊə /

noun

1. any of several American plants of the genus Helianthus, esp H. annuus, having very tall thick stems, large flower heads with yellow rays, and seeds used as food, esp for poultry: family Asteraceae (composites) See also Jerusalem artichoke

2. the oil extracted from sunflower seeds, used as a salad oil, in the manufacture of margarine, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of sunflower¹

First recorded in 1555–65; translation of Latin flōs sōlis “flower of the sun”

Example Sentences

The process begins by extracting oil from sunflower seeds.

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On the other hand, crops such as sunflower, durum wheat, soybean, chickpeas, lemon and okra could become more viable, particularly in southwestern England or near the Scottish coast.

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The oil is extracted from sources such as soybeans, palm fruit, canola seeds, sunflower seeds, and corn, and is then refined, bleached, and deodorized to make it more palatable.

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In “Chad Powers,” he shows off one of his lesser-known abilities: shelling sunflower seeds in his mouth.

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That was until five years ago, when a hospital occupational therapist gave her an unusual prescription: Grow a sunflower.

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