The origin of the word ''Muscat'' is disputed. Some authors claim that the word has Arabic origins – from ''moscha'', meaning an ''inflated hide'' or ''skin''. Other authors claim that the name ''Muscat'' means ''anchorage'' or ''the place of "letting fall the anchor"''. Other derivations include ''muscat'' from Old Persian, meaning ''strong-scented'', or from Arabic, meaning ''falling-place'', or ''hidden''.