Muskox: meaning, definitions and examples

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muskox

 

[ mสŒskษ’ks ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

animal species

The muskox is a large, shaggy herbivorous mammal native to the Arctic regions of North America and Greenland. It is known for its thick coat of fur and a distinctive odor, particularly in males during the breeding season, which is where the name 'muskox' originates. Muskoxen typically live in herds and are well adapted to cold environments, with their large bodies allowing them to conserve heat. They are a key species in their ecosystems, grazing on grasses and other vegetation, and their behavior and social structure provide valuable insights into the survival strategies of Arctic fauna.

Synonyms

Arctic herbivore, Ovibos moschatus

Examples of usage

  • The muskox roamed the tundra.
  • We saw a herd of muskox during our Arctic expedition.
  • Muskoxen have thick fur to survive freezing temperatures.

Translations

Translations of the word "muskox" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น bisonte-do-norte

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฎเคธเฅเค•เฅ‰เค•เฅเคธ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Moschusochse

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ ox musk

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะผuskะพะบั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ wรณล‚ piลผmowy

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ ใ‚นใ‚ฏใ‚ชใƒƒใ‚ฏใ‚น

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท bison musquรฉ

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ bisonte de los moscus

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท muskox

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋จธ์Šคํฌ์˜ฅ์Šค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุซูˆุฑ ุงู„ู…ุณูƒ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ muskox

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ muskox

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้บ้ฆ™็‰›

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ moลกusov vo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ muskox

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผuskะพะบั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒฃแƒกแƒ™แƒแƒฅแƒกแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ muskox

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ bisonte de los moscus

Etymology

The term 'muskox' derives from the combination of 'musk', which refers to a strong-smelling secretion from male animals, and 'ox', a term often used for domesticated cattle. The word 'musk' itself comes from the Latin 'muscus', which traces back to the Greek 'moskhus', originating from Ancient Persian 'musk'. The 'ox' part of the term comes from Old English 'oxa', meaning a domesticated bull or cow. Muskoxen have been known to humans for thousands of years, primarily inhabiting the Arctic tundra. They were hunted by Indigenous peoples for their meat, hides, and wool, which is highly prized for its warmth. The scientific name, 'Ovibos moschatus', emphasizes their connection to oxen and the musky smell characteristic of males during mating season.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,861, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.