A North American aquatic fur-bearing rodent (Ondatra zibethica formerly Fiber zibethicus). It resembles a rat in color and having a long scaly tail, but the tail is compressed, the hind feet are webbed, and the ears are concealed in the fur. It has scent glands which secrete a substance having a strong odor of musk. Called also musquash, musk beaver, ondatra, and sometimes water rat. [1913 Webster]
The musk shrew. [1913 Webster]
The desman. [1913 Webster]

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OXFORD DICTIONARY

muskrat, n.
1 a large aquatic rodent, Ondatra zibethica, native to N. America, having a musky smell. Also called MUSQUASH.
2 the fur of this.

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ROGET THESAURUS

muskrat

Fragrance

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