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

The refreshing perfume, with 25% perfume concentration, contains some 187 ingredients, including ginger, sparkling lime and classic French lavender, with a warm base of musk, amber and leather. —Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

Merit Beauty founder Katherine Power tapped French perfumer Fanny Bal to create the scent that features notes of pear, jasmine, vanilla, and musk. —Robyn Merrett, StyleCaster, 29 Nov. 2024

Daisy’s energizing elixir delivers fruity top notes of violets and wild strawberries, accented by a floral notes of white violet and jasmine, then rounded out by a musk and vanilla base. —Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 26 Nov. 2024

As the luxe fragrance dries down, its usually sweet aroma is balanced with an earthy blend of cashmere wood, musk, and amber. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 25 Nov. 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