n. 1 a strong-smelling reddish-brown substance produced by a gland in the male musk deer and used as an ingredient in perfumes. 2 the plant, Mimulus moschatus, with pale-green ovate leaves and yellow flowers (orig. with a smell of musk which is no longer perceptible in modern varieties). musk deer any small Asian deer of the genus Moschus, having no antlers and in the male having long protruding canine teeth. musk duck the Australian duck Biziura lobata, having a musky smell. musk melon the common yellow or green melon, Cucumis melo, usu. with a raised network of markings on the skin. musk ox a large goat-antelope, Ovibos moschatus, native to n. America, with a thick shaggy coat and small curved horns. musk-rose a rambling rose, Rosa moschata, with large white flowers smelling of musk. musk thistle a nodding thistle, Carduus nutans, whose flowers have a musky fragrance. musk-tree (or -wood) an Australian tree, Olearia argophylla, with a musky smell. musky adj. (muskier, muskiest). muskiness n.
[ ME f. LL muscus f. Pers. musk, perh. f. Skr. muska scrotum (from the shape of the musk deer's gland) ]