a bulbous iridaceous plant (crocus sativus) having blue flowers with large yellow stigmas. see crocus.-the aromatic, pungent, dried stigmas, usually with part of the stile, of the crocus sativus. saffron is used in cookery, and in coloring confectionery, liquors, varnishes, etc., and was formerly much used in medicine.-an orange or deep yellow color, like that of the stigmas of the crocus sativus.-having the color of the stigmas of saffron flowers; deep orange-yellow; as, a saffron face; a saffron streamer.-to give color and flavor to, as by means of saffron; to spice.