noun

musk

MUSK/mʌsk/

A strong earthy scent or the substance that produces it.

The perfumer evaluates the musk while blending a new fragrance.

Show musk as an identified concentrated fragrance being evaluated during perfume blending.

Etymology

The Sanskrit word meant “testicle”: the musk deer's scent gland was thought to resemble a scrotum. The name came to denote its strongly scented secretion, used in perfume.

In context

The Perfume Guy8:23

Finally, tonalid also known as musk tetrin is a synthetic polycyclic musk fragrance ingredient used in perfumery cosmetics and household products. It is known for its warm, sweet and musky scent

Æther Perfumes Review | Solaer, Ultrae & Xtraem (Molecular, Futuristic Scents)

More examples

This perfume combines musk with rose and vanilla.
A trace of musk lingers on her scarf.
Many perfumes use synthetic musk instead of animal-derived ingredients.

Forms

musk · musks

musky adjective — Having a strong and earthy scent.

Similar words

fragrance: A broader term for a pleasant smell, especially perfume.
scent: Any noticeable smell, not necessarily strong or earthy.