sunflower

American  

[suhn-flou-er] / ˈsʌnˌflaʊ ər /

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 aster.  Furniture. a conventionalized flower motif carved in the center panels of a Connecticut chest.

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sunflower British  

/ 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. the oil extracted from sunflower seeds, used as a salad oil, in the manufacture of margarine, etc

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Etymology

Origin of sunflower

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

Example Sentences

Times Plants newsletter will receive Jeanette’s Mix, a special packet of colorful sunflower seeds and California poppies that Marantos hoped to offer this year.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s on the same plot as our old cottage, with the same view over peaceful fields of wheat and sunflowers, but with a more-solid foundation, crack-free walls and better heating.

From The Wall Street Journal

Lupines, fiddlenecks and bush sunflowers, among other native wildflower species, are just starting to take off in the Puente Hills, particularly in Turnbull Canyon, Powder Canyon and on the Purple Sage Loop.

From Los Angeles Times

Before the war, Ukraine was the biggest exporter of sunflower seeds in the world, and the seventh biggest grain supplier.

From BBC

Because the sunflower seed butter had plastered the bread to the roof of my mouth and the back of my throat.

From Literature