muskox

or musk ox

[ muhsk-oks ]

noun

, plural musk·ox·en [muhsk, -ok-s, uh, n].

1. a bovine ruminant, Ovibos moschatus, of Arctic regions of North America and Greenland, that is between an ox and a sheep in size and anatomy.

Word History and Origins

Origin of muskox¹

First recorded in 1735–45; musk + ox, so called from its odor

Example Sentences

In “Extremes,” narrated by David Attenborough, we are swept away to the rarest places in the world to watch snow leopards play in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia, a pack of Arctic wolves hunt giant muskox and hibernating snow frogs mate in the French Alps.

From Los Angeles Times

Migratory birds and caribou pass through the plain, which provides important polar bear habitat and is home to other wildlife, including muskox.

From Seattle Times

But environmentalists say the vast region is home to an array of wildlife, such as polar bears and brown bears, muskox, caribou and millions of migratory birds.

From Seattle Times

An Alaska state trooper was killed by a muskox attack near Nome Tuesday.

From Washington Times

The muskox, which can weigh up to 800 pounds, is a stocky, shaggy, horned, hoofed animal related to goats, antelope and sheep.

From Washington Times