musk

American  

[muhsk] / mʌsk /

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 British  

/ 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

   musk oil

   a musk flavour

---

Etymology

Origin of musk

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

Related Words

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