<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>Any of various composite plants of the genus <em>Helianthus</em>, as <em>H. annuus</em>, 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.</li><li>Also called aster.</li><li>Furniture: a conventionalized flower motif carved in the center panels of a Connecticut chest.</li></ul>