saffron

noun saf·fron \ˈsa-ˌfrän, -frən\

: an orange powder that is made from a type of flower (called a crocus) and that is used to color and flavor food

: an orange to orange-yellow color

Full Definition of SAFFRON

a : the deep orange aromatic pungent dried stigmas of a purple-flowered crocus (Crocus sativus) used to color and flavor foods and formerly as a dyestuff and in medicine

b : the crocus supplying saffron

: a moderate orange to orange yellow

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Origin of SAFFRON

Middle English, from Anglo-French saffron, safren, from Medieval Latin safranum, from Arabic zaʽfarān

First Known Use: 13th century

SAFFRON Defined for Kids

saffron

noun saf·fron \ˈsa-frən\

Definition of SAFFRON for Kids

: an orange spice that is made from the dried stigmas of a crocus and is used to color or flavor foods

: an orange to orange yellow

Medical Dictionary

saffron

noun saf·fron \ˈsaf-rän, -rən\

Medical Definition of SAFFRON

: the deep orange aromatic pungent dried stigmas of a purple-flowered crocus used to color and flavor foods and formerly as a dyestuff and as a stimulant antispasmodic emmenagogue in medicine

: a purple-flowered crocus (Crocus sativa) that is the source of saffron—called also saffron crocus