| safflower | 1. <botany> 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 . Oil of safflower, a purgative oil expressed from the seeds of the safflower. Origin: F. Safeur, safior, for safran, influenced by fleur flower. See Saffron, and Flower. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| safflower oil | <chemical> An oily liquid extracted from the seeds of the safflower, carthamus tinctorius. It is used as a dietary supplement in the management of hypercholesterolaemia. It is used also in cooking, as a salad oil, and as a vehicle for medicines, paints, varnishes, etc. Chemical name: Safflower oil (12 Dec 1998) |