unctuous
[ uhngk-choo-uhs ]
/ ˈʌŋk tʃu əs /
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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.
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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
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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.