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Glite Dictionary
Moschus moschiferus

Moschus moschiferus

9.9
A small heavy deer from central Asia whose male makes a strong-smelling substance used in perfume
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : ciervo almizclero
  • The male Moschus moschiferus secretes musk from a special gland, which is prized in the perfume industry.

Examples

  • Moschus moschiferus is a species of deer found in the mountainous areas of central Asia, where it produces a highly valued musk.

  • The Moschus moschiferus is hunted for the musk produced by the male's scent gland.

  • Moschus moschiferus inhabits forested and mountainous regions of central Asia.

  • Conservationists are concerned about declining populations of Moschus moschiferus.

  • The Moschus moschiferus is known for its distinctive musk.

  • Many people are unaware of the Moschus moschiferus and its habitat.

  • Moschus moschiferus plays an important role in its ecosystem, serving as prey for larger predators in the forests of central Asia.

Synonyms

musk deer
vsMoschus moschiferus
  • Indian
8.3

A small mountain deer whose males make a strong scent used in perfumes

is the formal Latin scientific name for the same animal

Surface Forms

Moschus moschiferus singular
Moschus moschiferuses plural

Morphology

Moschus + moschiferus

This is a Latin scientific binomial (species) name rather than a compositional English phrase; B1 learners will not be able to derive the specific species meaning from the parts. One element ('moschiferus') is not attested in the dictionary and the other ('Moschus') is a Latin taxon related to musk/deer, so even knowing those parts does not yield the full meaning in ordinary English.

Etymology

Moschus moschiferus uses the part moschus meaning 'musk' and the part -ferus meaning 'to carry'. The male deer has a small scent gland that makes the strong 'musk' used in perfume, so the name points to this valuable scent.