safflower
|saf-flow-er|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈsæfˌlaʊər/
🇬🇧
/ˈsæflaʊə/
yellow flower plant
Etymology
Etymology Information
'safflower' originates from Arabic, specifically the word 'asfar,' where 'asfar' meant 'yellow.'
Historical Evolution
'asfar' transformed into the Italian word 'saffiore,' and eventually became the modern English word 'safflower' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'yellow flower,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a plant used for oil and dye.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a thistle-like Eurasian plant (Carthamus tinctorius) cultivated for its seeds, which yield an oil used in cooking and margarine, and for its flowers, which were formerly used to produce a yellow dye.
Safflower oil is often used in salad dressings.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/06/28 16:49