saffron

English

/ˈsæfɹən/

noun
Definitions
  • The plant Crocus sativus, a crocus.
  • A spice (seasoning) and colouring agent made from the stigma and part of the style of the plant, sometimes or formerly also used as a dye and insect repellent.
  • An orange-yellow colour, the colour of a lion's pelt.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English saffron derived from Old French safran derived from Latin safrānum derived from Arabic زَعْفَرَان.

Origin

Arabic

زَعْفَرَان

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms