/saf"reuhn/ , n.
1. Also called vegetable gold . a crocus, Crocus sativus, having showy purple flowers.
2. an orange-colored condiment consisting of its dried stigmas, used to color and flavor foods.
3. Also, saffron yellow . yellow-orange.
[ 1150-1200; ME saffran, saffron OF safran saffranum za'faran ]