safflower n 1: thistlelike Eurasian plant widely grown for its red or orange flower heads and seeds that yield a valuable oil [syn: {safflower}, {false saffron}, {Carthamus tinctorius}]
Safflower \Saf"flow`er\, 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]