musk

(musk)

noun

  1. a substance with a strong, penetrating odor, obtained from a small sac () 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

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

See musk in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. a. A greasy secretion with a powerful odor, produced in a glandular sac beneath the skin of the abdomen of the male musk deer and used in the manufacture of perfumes.
    b. A similar secretion produced by certain other animals, such as the otter or civet.
    c. A synthetic chemical resembling natural musk in odor or use.
  2. a. The odor of musk.
    b. An odor similar to musk.
  3. A musk deer.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French musc

Origin: , from Late Latin muscus

Origin: , from Greek moskhos

Origin: , from Persian mušk

Origin: , probably from Sanskrit muṣkaḥ, testicle; see mūs- in Indo-European roots

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