a clear, colorless oil, CHCHOCH, found in sassafras oil, camphor wood, etc., and used in perfumes, medicines, flavors, etc.: toxic when ingested and regarded as a possible carcinogen, its use in foods and beverages is forbidden in the U.S.
Origin:
Fr safran, saffron + -ole, for -ol
See safrole in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
A colorless or pale yellow oily liquid, C10H10O2, derived from oil of sassafras and other essential oils and used in making perfume and soap.