The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

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]