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n. 1. a. A greasy secretion with a powerful odor, produced in a glandular sac in the abdomen of a male musk deer and used in traditional medicines and formerly in the manufacture of perfumes. b. A similar secretion produced by certain other animals, such as an otter or civet. c. A synthetic chemical resembling natural musk in odor or use. 2. a. The odor of musk. b. An odor similar to musk. [Middle English, from Old French musc, from Late Latin muscus, from Greek moskhos, from Persian mušk, probably from Sanskrit muṣkaḥ, testicle; see mūs- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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