Noun
/mʌsk ɒks/
The term "musk ox" refers to a large herbivorous mammal known for its thick coat and strong build, which is native to the Arctic regions of North America and Greenland. Musk oxen are part of the Bovidae family and are primarily known for their ability to withstand extremely cold temperatures. The term is used more often in written contexts, such as scientific literature or nature documentaries, although it can also appear in conversational settings when discussing wildlife.
Frequency of Use: Moderate
Context of Usage: More common in written contexts (e.g., scientific articles, zoology literature) but can also be used in spoken contexts (e.g., conversations about wildlife).
Musk ox can survive harsh Arctic winters thanks to their thick fur.
Мускусные быки могут выжить в суровые арктические зимы благодаря своей густой шерсти.
The musk ox herd was spotted grazing on the tundra.
Стадо мускусных быков было замечено, поедая траву на тундре.
Researchers are studying the musk ox population to understand their adaptation to climate change.
Исследователи изучают популяцию мускусных быков, чтобы понять их адаптацию к изменениям климата.
While "musk ox" does not have established idiomatic expressions in English, the term can arise in discussions about survival and resilience due to its characteristics. However, the concept of resilience can lead us to consider idioms related to strength and endurance. Here are a few relevant examples:
Tough as a musk ox – Often used to describe someone who is exceptionally sturdy or enduring.
Он не сносит трудности, такой же крепкий, как мускусный бык. (He withstands difficulties, as tough as a musk ox.)
Weathering the storm like a musk ox – Referring to someone managing difficult situations without faltering.
Она преодолевает все преграды, как мускусный бык, вынося непогоду. (She overcomes all obstacles, weathering the storm like a musk ox.)
A musk ox among sheep – Refers to someone who stands out strongly in a crowd of weaker individuals.
Он как мускусный бык среди овец на конференции, выделяясь своими идеями. (He is like a musk ox among sheep at the conference, standing out with his ideas.)
The term "musk ox" derives from the musk secretion produced by males, which is used to attract females. The word "musk" comes from the Latin "musckus," which in turn comes from the Persian "musk," referring to the strong-smelling glandular substance. The term "ox" is derived from Old English "oxa," which refers to a domestic bovine.
Synonyms: - Ovibos (scientific genus name) - Muskoxen (plural)
Antonyms: - There are no direct antonyms for “musk ox,” as it refers to a specific species. However, in a broader context, one could consider domesticated animals (like cattle or sheep) as a comparative opposite in terms of domestication versus wild, natural habitats.