n. [ Gr. &unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_; saffron. ] (Chem.) (a) The coloring matter of Chinese yellow pods, the fruit of Gardenia grandiflora. Watts. (b) A red powder (called also polychroite), which is made from the saffron (Crocus sativus). See Polychroite. [ 1913 Webster ]