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safflower definition

saf·flower (saf′lo̵u′ər)

noun

  1. a thistlelike, annual plant (Carthamus tinctorius) of the composite family, with large, orange flower heads and seeds that yield a drying oil used in paints, foods, medicine, etc.
  2. a dyestuff or drug prepared from its florets

Etymology: altered (< saffron & flower) < Du or MFr: Du saffloer < MFr saffleur < It saffiore < Ar aṣfar, yellow

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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