musk deer

Thân thiện

A musk deer stands on a rocky hillside in the morning light.

Definition

Noun: A small, heavy-limbed deer (Moschus moschiferus) native to the mountainous regions of central Asia. The male of this species possesses a gland that secretes a substance with a strong, persistent odor, historically valued for use in perfumes.

Examples

• The musk deer is a solitary animal that lives in forested, mountainous habitats.
• Poaching of the musk deer for its scent gland has made it an endangered species.
• Unlike most deer, the male musk deer has long, protruding canine teeth instead of antlers.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in discussions about wildlife conservation and the illegal wildlife trade, due to the high value of musk.
• In perfumery history, "musk deer" refers to the original, animal-source of musk, now largely replaced by synthetic alternatives.

Variants and Related Words

• Musk (noun): The strong-smelling, reddish-brown substance secreted by the gland of the male musk deer, used as a base in perfumes.
• Moschus (noun): The scientific genus name for musk deer.

Synonyms

• Kastura (a regional name used in parts of Asia).

Notes on Different Meanings

• The term "musk deer" refers specifically to the animal species within the genus . It is not a general term for any deer that might produce a musky odor. The defining characteristic is the musk gland of the male.

Học thuật

Noun

1. small heavy-limbed upland deer of central Asia; male secretes valued musk

Từ đồng nghĩa

• moschus moschiferus