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musk

[ muhsk ]
/ mÊŒsk /
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noun
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.
an artificial imitation of the substance.
a similar secretion of other animals, as the civet, muskrat, and otter.
the odor of musk or some similar odor.
Botany. any of several plants, as the monkey flower, having a musky fragrance.
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Origin of musk

1350–1400; Middle English musk(e) (<Middle French musc) <Late Latin muscus (Medieval Latin moschus) <Late Greek móskos, móschos<Persian mushk
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use musk in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for musk

musk
/ (mÊŒsk) /

noun
a strong-smelling glandular secretion of the male musk deer, used in perfumery
a similar substance produced by certain other animals, such as the civet and otter, or manufactured synthetically
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 scentSee also monkey flower
the smell of musk or a similar heady smell
(modifier) containing or resembling muskmusk oil; a musk flavour

Word Origin for musk

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
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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