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musk Definition

musk (musk)

noun

  1. a substance with a strong, penetrating odor, obtained from a small sac (musk bag) under the skin of the abdomen in the male musk deer: used as the basis of numerous perfumes
  2. a similar substance secreted by certain other animals, as the alligator or musk ox
  3. the odor of any of these substances, now often created synthetically
  4. any of several plants having a musky scent

Etymology: OFr musc < LL muscus < Gr moschos < Pers mušk, musk < Sans muṣka, testicle, dim. of mus, mouse

musk Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • badger: To what extent does the musk of a badger alter from one area of the country to another?

Converse of object

  • smell: I can smell the musk of the pages - the ink like mehndi across the page.
  • contain: This stuff allegedly contains artificial musks which apparently are absorbed through skin, may cause liver damage and interfere with brain messages.
  • call: The badger has a special opening ( called a gland ) under its tail, which produces a smelly liquid called musk.

Adjective modifier

  • artificial: Artificial musks are simply covered under the terms " parfum " or " fragrance " on product labels.
  • white: A combination of East Indian sandalwood, amber, white musk and driftwood make up the warm base.
  • amber: A combination of East Indian sandalwood, amber, white musk and driftwood make up the warm base.
  • synthetic: Numerous synthetic musks of high quality are readily available.
  • natural: Daniel was also distracted by Jack, his aftershave, and his natural musk.

Modifies a noun

  • mallow: These are attracted by wildflowers such as musk mallow and goat's beard.
  • ox: Past expeditions have had good luck finding musk ox along the south coast of Victoria Island.
  • deer: On higher ground we may see musk deer or blue sheep on the crossing from north to south base camp.
  • rat: Provisions as to musk rats found on land or premises.
  • thistle: Here there were more lime-loving species, including musk thistles which attracted several butterflies.
  • gland: Tom: There's that particular Australian musk gland.
musk Quotes

Come into the garden, Maud, For the black bat, night, has flown, Come into the garden, Maud, I am here at the gate alone; Maud And the woodbine spices are wafted abroad, And the musk of the rose is blown. For a breeze of morning moves, And the planet of Love is on high, Beginning to faint in the light that she loves On a bed of daffodil sky.

—Tennyson

Browse dictionary entries near musk

  1. musjid
  2. musique concrète
  3. musing
  4. Musil
  5. musicology
  6. musick
  7. musician
  8. musicalize
  9. musicale
  10. musical saw
  1. musk deer
  2. musk duck
  3. musk ox
  4. musk plant
  5. musk rose
  6. musk turtle
  7. muskeg
  8. muskellunge
  9. musket
  10. musketeer