A strong-smelling secretion from the male musk deer, used as a base for perfumes. The term also refers to similar scents from other animals or synthetic versions.
From Arabic misk, which came from Persian mushk, ultimately from Sanskrit muṣká meaning 'testicle' (referring to the musk sac's shape). The word entered English via Old French musc in the 14th century. Musk was one of the most valuable trade commodities along the Silk Road.
Musk's journey from Sanskrit 'testicle' to the world's most prized perfume ingredient shows how euphemism works across cultures! A single musk pod was once worth its weight in gold, making the humble musk deer one of the most economically important animals in medieval trade.
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