Saf·flow·er n.
1. Bot. An annual composite plant (Carthamus tinctorius), the flowers of which are used as a dyestuff and in making rouge; bastard, or false, saffron.
2. The dried flowers of the Carthamus tinctorius.
3. A dyestuff from these flowers. See Safranin (b).
Oil of safflower, a purgative oil expressed from the seeds of the safflower.
◄ ►
Car·tha·min n. Chem. A red coloring matter obtained from the safflower, or Carthamus tinctorius.
◄ ►
Carthamus tinctorius
n : thistlelike Eurasian plant widely grown for its red or
orange flower heads and seeds that yield a valuable oil
[syn: safflower, false saffron]