sunflower

[ suhn-flou-er ]

noun

1. any of various composite plants of the genus Helianthus, as H. annuus, having showy, yellow-rayed flower heads often 12 inches (30 centimeters) wide, and edible seeds that yield an oil with a wide variety of uses: the state flower of Kansas.
2. Also called as·ter [as, -ter]. Furniture. a conventionalized flower motif carved in the center panels of a Connecticut chest.

sunflower

/ ˈsʌnˌflaʊə /

noun

1. any of several American plants of the genus Helianthus, esp H. annuus, having very tall thick stems, large flower heads with yellow rays, and seeds used as food, esp for poultry: family Asteraceae (composites) See also Jerusalem artichoke
2. sunflower seed oil
   the oil extracted from sunflower seeds, used as a salad oil, in the manufacture of margarine, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of sunflower¹

First recorded in 1555–65; translation of Latin flōs sōlis “flower of the sun”

Example Sentences

Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities at Werneth School in Stockport, Greater Manchester, had been told they would face disciplinary action if they did not carry or wear the sunflower lanyards.

From BBC

He also smiled his way through the season, gleefully tossed sunflower seeds on teammates and became Ohtani’s pal.

From Los Angeles Times

Around the Green River, I saw the sunflowers again.

From Los Angeles Times

Matt Cooley, a second-generation farmer of walnuts, tomatoes, sunflowers, wheat and alfalfa, decided to grow a few pumpkins for Halloween and sell them by the side of the road.

From Los Angeles Times

And he likely set a record for most sunflower seeds tossed on teammates after home runs.

From Los Angeles Times