(n) thistlelike Eurasian plant widely grown for its red or orange flower heads and seeds that yield a valuable oil, Syn. false saffron, Carthamus tinctorius
n. [ F. safleur, saflor, for safran, influenced by fleur flower. See Saffron, and Flower. ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. The dried flowers of the Carthamus tinctorius. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. A dyestuff from these flowers. See Safranin (b). [ 1913 Webster ]
Oil of safflower, a purgative oil expressed from the seeds of the safflower. [ 1913 Webster ]