musk

noun

ˈməsk 

1

a

: a substance with a penetrating persistent odor obtained from a sac beneath the abdominal skin of the male musk deer and used as a perfume fixative

also : a similar substance from another animal or a synthetic substitute

b

: the odor of musk

also : an odor resembling musk especially in heaviness or persistence

2

: any of various plants with musky odors

especially : musk plant

Examples of musk in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With top notes of cardamom and dried rose petals, mid notes of red wine, mahogany, and patchouli, and base notes of vanilla, black musk, and oud, Cold Cases is a rich, deep, woodsy scent, evoking a mysterious and even slightly ominous atmosphere. —Sharon Greenthal, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2024

In the 17th century, these animals were prized for their musk. —JSTOR Daily, 24 June 2024

There, notes of musk and sandalwood meet the sweet smells of Sol de Janeiro and…I’m getting a headache just thinking about it. —Dianna Mazzone Singh, Allure, 20 June 2024

While all record stores have a recognizable musk, Delta Breeze’s fragrance in the ground-floor of a 100-year-old Victorian duplex is complemented with the aroma of fortune cookies baking next door. —Blake Gillespie, SPIN, 11 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English muske, from Middle French musc, from Late Latin muscus, from Late Greek moschos, from Middle Persian *mušk-, from Sanskrit muṣka testicle, from diminutive of mūṣ mouse; akin to Old English mūs mouse

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing musk

• musk deer
• musk ox
• musk plant
• musk rose
• musk thistle
• musk turtle

Kids Definition

musk

noun

ˈməsk 

1

: a strong-smelling substance obtained usually from the male musk deer and used in perfume

also : a substance of comparable odor that is from another animal (as a skunk) or is prepared artificially

2

: an odor of or resembling that of musk