musk

Everyday

1. Musk is a strong-smelling substance first taken from a gland of the male musk deer, used in making perfumes; today most musk in perfumes is man-made. tree →
2. Musk is any strong, warm, animal-like smell, such as the smell of some animals or plants. tree →
3. Musk is used in names of animals and plants with this smell: musk ox, muskrat, musk rose, musk mallow. tree →
4. (a name) Musk is a surname, for example of a well-known businessman who runs electric car and space rocket companies. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons about Arctic animals the musk ox, with its long shaggy coat, forms a circle with others to protect calves from wolves. In history, musk was an expensive trade good on routes from Asia. In news lessons, Musk is a name often in the news about rockets, electric cars and social media, and people have strong and different views about him. Phrases: musk ox, musk deer, muskrat, musky smell.

Examples

• Musk ox live in the cold Arctic tundra. tree →
• Some perfumes have a smell of musk. tree →
• The musk deer has no antlers but long tusk-like teeth. tree →
• The fox left a strong musky smell. tree →
• Muskrats build homes in rivers and marshes. tree →
• Musk roses smell sweet in summer. tree →
• Most musk in perfume today is made in a lab. tree →
• The news reported on Musk's latest rocket launch. tree →

Note

Uncountable: «a smell of musk», not «a musk». Adjective: «musky». As a surname it takes a capital M. The musk ox is not really an ox; it is closer to goats and sheep.