sunflower: Meaning and Definition of

sun•flow•er

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