musk

(musk)

noun

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
a similar substance secreted by certain other animals, as the alligator or musk ox
the odor of any of these substances, now often created synthetically
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

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.
a. The odor of musk.
b. An odor similar to musk.
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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