Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Saffron
Saf′fron
(?; 277)
, Noun.
[OE.
saffran
, F. safran
; cf. It. zafferano
, Sp. azafran
, Pg. açafrão
; all fr. Ar. & Per. za’ farān
.] 1.
(Bot.)
A bulbous iridaceous plant (
Crocus sativus
) having blue flowers with large yellow stigmas. See Crocus
. 2.
The aromatic, pungent, dried stigmas, usually with part of the stile, of the
Crocus sativus
. Saffron is used in cookery, and in coloring confectionery, liquors, varnishes, etc., and was formerly much used in medicine. 3.
An orange or deep yellow color, like that of the stigmas of the
Crocus sativus
. Bastard saffron
, Dyer's saffron
(Bot.)
See
– Safflower
. Meadow saffron
(Bot.)
, a bulbous plant (
– Colchichum autumnale
) of Europe, resembling saffron. Saffron wood
(Bot.)
, the yellowish wood of a South African tree (
– Elaeodendron croceum
); also, the tree itself. Saffron yellow
, a shade of yellow like that obtained from the stigmas of the true saffron (
Crocus sativus
).Saf′fron
(?; 277)
, Adj.
Having the color of the stigmas of saffron flowers; deep orange-yellow;
as, a
. saffron
face; a saffron
streamerSaf′fron
,Verb.
T.
To give color and flavor to, as by means of saffron; to spice.
[Obs.]
And in Latyn I speak a wordes few,
To
To
saffron
with my predication. Chaucer.
Webster 1828 Edition
Saffron
SAF'FRON
,Noun.
1.
A plant of the genus Crocus. The bastard saffron is of the genus Carthamus, and the meadow saffron of the genus Colchicum.2.
In the materia medica, saffron is formed of the stigmata of the Crocus officinalis, dried on a kiln and pressed into cakes.SAF'FRON
,Adj.
SAF'FRON
,Verb.
T.