Musky
/ˈmʌs.ki/noun
Having the scent of musk or a strong, earthy odor reminiscent of musk.
Did you know?The word ultimately traces back to the Sanskrit word for the testicle, because the original musk odor came from a gland in the male musk deer.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*mū-
“Likely the ancient root behind the Sanskrit word for 'mouse' and, by extension, the animal name tied to musk in later languages.”
Sanskrit
Sanskrit
muṣká-
“'Testicle'; the source of the musk term because the musk deer’s scent gland was associated with this body part.”
Late Greek
Greek
moskhos
“A term used for the musk deer and its scent, borrowed from eastern languages.”
Late Latin
Latin
muscus
“Musk, the strong aromatic substance prized in perfumery and medicine.”
Old French
OF
musc
“Musk.”
Middle English
English
muske
“Musk.”
Modern English
English
musky
“Having the smell or quality of musk.”