Muskrose
/ˈmʌskˌroʊz/noun
A strongly scented rose, especially Rosa moschata, with flowers resembling those of a wild rose.
Did you know?The word musk ultimately traces through Sanskrit muṣka, “testicle,” because musk pods from the male musk deer were thought to resemble or be associated with that body part.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
muṣka
“Testicle; a small rounded object, the source of the musk term”
Ancient Persian
Persian
mušk
“Musk, the powerful-smelling substance obtained from the musk deer”
Ancient Greek
Greek
μόσχος (moskhos)
“Musk; a fragrant animal secretion”
Late Latin
Latin
muscus
“Musk, borrowed from Greek”
Middle English
English
musk
“A strong perfume derived from musk, later also a musk-like scent”
16th Century
English
musk-rose
“A rose noted for its musky fragrance”
Modern English
English
muskrose
“A strongly scented rose, especially Rosa moschata”
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