musk

[ muhsk ]

noun

1. a substance secreted in a glandular sac under the skin of the abdomen of the male musk deer, having a strong odor, and used in perfumery.
2. an artificial imitation of the substance.
3. a similar secretion of other animals, as the civet, muskrat, and otter.
4. the odor of musk or some similar odor.
5. Botany. any of several plants, as the monkey flower, having a musky fragrance.

musk

/ mʌsk /

noun

1. a strong-smelling glandular secretion of the male musk deer, used in perfumery
2. a similar substance produced by certain other animals, such as the civet and otter, or manufactured synthetically
3. any of several scrophulariaceous plants of the genus Mimulus, esp the North American M. moschatus, which has yellow flowers and was formerly cultivated for its musky scent See also monkey flower
4. the smell of musk or a similar heady smell
5. modifier containing or resembling musk

   a musk flavour

   musk oil

Word History and Origins

Origin of musk¹

1350–1400; Middle English musk ( e ) (< Middle French musc ) < Late Latin muscus ( Medieval Latin moschus ) < Late Greek móskos, móschos < Persian mushk

Word History and Origins

Origin of musk¹

C14: from Late Latin muscus, from Greek moskhos, from Persian mushk, probably from Sanskrit mushká scrotum (from the appearance of the musk deer's musk bag), diminutive of mūsh mouse

Example Sentences

They included a horseshoe bat called Rhinolophus mabuensis and a dwarf musk shrew which scientists are still in the process of naming and describing.

From BBC

The polar bears pop up from their winter lairs, the arctic tern soar back from their long journey south and the musk oxen wade north.

From Science Daily

A trail of musks, resinous woods and creamy florals follow him around like an orb of protection.

From Los Angeles Times

Grabbed by a predator, they writhe theatrically, soiling themselves with a pungent cocktail of musk and feces.

From New York Times

It was a mix of dried sweat, various spices from the incident with the angry Viking, and Rostam’s donkey musk.

From Literature

Related Words

• aroma
• flavor
• perfume
• smell
• stench
• stink
• whiff