musk

[ muhsk ]
See synonyms for musk on Thesaurus.com
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.

  1. a similar secretion of other animals, as the civet, muskrat, and otter.

  2. the odor of musk or some similar odor.

  3. Botany. any of several plants, as the monkey flower, having a musky fragrance.

Origin of musk

1
1350–1400; Middle English musk(e) (<Middle French musc) <Late Latin muscus (Medieval Latin moschus) <Late Greek móskos, móschos<Persian mushk

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How to use musk in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for musk

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

  1. 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

  2. the smell of musk or a similar heady smell

  3. (modifier) containing or resembling musk: musk oil; a musk flavour

Origin of musk

1
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