unctuous
[ uhngk-choo-uhs ]
/ ˈʌŋk tʃu əs /
Save This Word!
adjective
characterized by excessive piousness or moralistic fervor, especially in an affected manner; excessively smooth, suave, or smug.
of the nature of or characteristic of an unguent or ointment; oily; greasy.
having an oily or soapy feel, as certain minerals.
QUIZZES
THINK YOU’VE GOT A HANDLE ON THIS US STATE NICKNAME QUIZ?
Did you ever collect all those state quarters? Put them to good use on this quiz about curious state monikers and the facts around them.
Question 1 of 8
Mississippi’s nickname comes from the magnificent trees that grow there. What is it?
Origin of unctuous
1350–1400; Middle English <Medieval Latin ūnctuōsus, equivalent to Latin ūnctu(s) act of anointing (ung(uere) to smear, anoint + -tus suffix of v. action) + -ōsus-ous
OTHER WORDS FROM unctuous
unc·tu·ous·ly, adverbunc·tu·ous·ness, unc·tu·os·i·ty [uhngk-choo-os-i-tee], /ˌʌŋk tʃuˈɒs ɪ ti/, nounWords nearby unctuous
uncrown, uncrowned, UNCTAD, unction, unctuarium, unctuous, uncultivated, unculture, uncultured, uncurl, uncus
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for unctuous
British Dictionary definitions for unctuous
unctuous
/ (ˈʌŋktjʊəs) /
adjective
slippery or greasy
affecting an oily charm
Derived forms of unctuous
unctuosity (ˌʌŋktjʊˈɒsɪtɪ) or unctuousness, noununctuously, adverbWord Origin for unctuous
C14: from Medieval Latin unctuōsus, from Latin unctum ointment, from ungere to anoint
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medical definitions for unctuous
unctuous
[ ŭngk′chōō-əs ]
adj.
Containing or composed of oil or fat.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.