Safflower Oil

safflower oil [′sa‚flau̇·ər ‚ȯil]

(materials)

Nonyellowing oil derived from safflower seed and similar to linseed oil; contains high proportion of linoleic acid; used as a drying oil and in food and medicine.

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safflower oil

A drying oil obtained from safflower seeds; used in paints; has properties similar to linseed oil.

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Safflower Oil 

a fatty essential oil derived from the seeds of the safflower (Carthamus tinctorius). The fatty acid content is 1.5–4.0 percent stearic acid, 6–7 percent palmitic acid, up to 0.2 percent myristic acid, approximately 0.4 percent arachidic acid, 14–21 percent oleic acid, 73–79 percent linoleic acid, and approximately 0.2 percent linolenic acid. The oil’s iodine value is 130–155. The solidification point is from –13 to –20°C, and the kinematic viscosity at 20°C is (61–85). 10^-6 m²/sec.

The oil extracted from shelled seeds is equal in quality to sunflower oil in terms of the most important characteristics, and it may be used in food. The oil from unrefined seeds has a bitter taste; it is used in the production of soap, linoleum, and clear, nonyellowing drying oils.