/musk/ , n.
1. a substance secreted in a glandular sac under the skin of the abdomen of the male musk deer, having a strong odor, and used in perfumery.
2. an artificial imitation of the substance.
3. a similar secretion of other animals, as the civet, muskrat, and otter.
4. the odor of musk or some similar odor.
5. Bot. any of several plants, as the monkey flower, having a musky fragrance.
[ 1350-1400; ME musk ( e ) ( musc ) muscus (ML moschus ) móskos, móschos
mushk ]