Musk"rat` (?), n. 1. (Zoöl.) A North American aquatic fur-bearing rodent (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, and ondatra.

2. (Zoöl.) The musk shrew.

3. (Zoöl.) The desman.

• animal