saf·flow·er 
(săflou′ər)
(săflou′ər)n.
1. A thistlelike Eurasian plant (Carthamus tinctorius) in the composite family, having orange flowers that produce seeds containing an oil used for cooking and in food products, cosmetics, and paints.
2. The dried flowers of this plant, formerly used as a source of yellow and orange dyes.
[Middle English saflour, from Old French safleur, from Old Italian saffiore (influenced by Old Italian fiore, flower), from Arabic 'uṣfur.]