musk deer

American  

noun

1. a small, hornless deer, Moschus moschiferus, of central Asia, the male of which secretes musk: now rare.

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musk deer British  

noun

1. a small central Asian mountain deer, Moschus moschiferus. The male has long tusklike canine teeth and secretes musk

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Etymology

Origin of musk deer

First recorded in 1675–85

Example Sentences

In the 1600s, an Armenian merchant started poking around, looking for musk, an incredibly lucrative perfume ingredient that came from glandular secretions of Tibetan musk deer.

From New York Times • Jan. 5, 2021

In addition to problems with security in Afghanistan, tracking down the musk deer is also difficult due to the inaccessible and often rocky terrain where the animals like to hang out.

From Forbes • Nov. 5, 2014

North Korean officials said the players took traditional musk deer gland as therapy after they were struck by lightning during training.

From Seattle Times • May 5, 2013

At the 2011 Women’s World Cup, North Korea’s soccer team claimed that positive doping tests resulted from musk deer gland therapy used to treat players who had been struck by lightning.

From New York Times • Feb. 4, 2013

Their saddles were strung about with half-dried skins—four roebuck, a musk deer, a moose, and a pair of elk antlers in the "velvet."

From Across Mongolian Plains A Naturalist's Account of China's 'Great Northwest' by Andrews, Roy Chapman