Definition of safflower

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saf·flow·er    (sflour) KEY 

NOUN:

1. A thistlelike Eurasian plant (Carthamus tinctorius) of the composite family, having heads of orange flowers that yield a dyestuff and produce seeds containing an oil used in cooking, cosmetics, paints, and medicine.
2. The dried flowers of this plant.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English saflour, from Old French safleur, from Old Italian saffiore, from Arabic 'afar, yellow, a yellow plant; see pr² in Semitic roots