saf·flow·er / ˈsafˌlou(-ə)r/ • n. an orange-flowered, thistlelike Eurasian plant (Carthamus tinctorius) of the daisy family, with seeds that yield an edible oil and petals that were formerly used to produce a red or yellow dye. ∎  (safflower oil) the edible oil obtained from the seeds of this plant.

safflower Annual plant with large red, orange or white flower heads that are used in making dyestuffs. The seeds yield oil, which is used in cooking and in the manufacture of margarine. Family Asteraceae/Compositae; species Carthamus tinctorius.

safflower (dried petals of) the plant Carthamus tinctorius. XVI (samfloure). — Du. saffloer or G. safflor — OF. saffleur — It. †saffiore, of unkn. orig.; infl. by assoc. with saffron and flower.