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saffron definition

saf·fron (saf′rən)

noun

  1. a perennial Old World plant (Crocus sativus) of the iris family, with funnel-shaped, purplish flowers having orange stigmas
  2. the dried, aromatic stigmas of this plant, used in flavoring and coloring foods, and formerly in medicine
  3. orange yellow
    also saffron yellow

Etymology: ME saffroun < OFr safran < ML safranum < Ar zaʼfarān

adjective

orange-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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