Saf"flow`er (?), n. [F. safeur, safior, 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.
2.
The died 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.
© Webster 1913.