Musk
/mʌsk/noun
A strong-smelling substance used in perfumes and as an ingredient in various products.
Did you know?In ancient times, musk was believed to have aphrodisiac properties, often linked to rituals of love and desire, making it a powerful tool for enchantments.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*musḱos
“A potent, aromatic substance from animals.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
μύσκος (myskos)
“A fragrant substance used in perfumes.”
Latin
Latin
muscus
“A sweet-smelling secretion, often referring to the musk deer.”
Old French
Old French
musc
“A term for musk, derived from Latin.”
Middle English
Middle English
musk
“The substance used in perfumery, borrowed from Old French.”
Modern English
English
musk
“The aromatic substance used in modern perfumery and cosmetics.”