unctuous
[uhngk-choo-uh s]
- 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
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
fatty, greasy, slick, oleaginous, buttery, fulsome, insincere, smooth, smug, suave, smarmy, groveling, ingratiating, obsequious, servileExamples from the Web for unctuous
Contemporary Examples
Their righteous outbursts represent an ancient and unctuous form of Kabuki theater.
It was an emotional speech, but a delightfully graceful, rather than unctuous and overblown, one.
The memories of a hundred business trips came roaring back as I recalled the unctuous Cinnabon aroma that wafts through airports.
Historical Examples
She laughed a rich, unctuous laugh, and stretched her hands to the blaze.
Tiverton TalesAlice Brown
A voice, which was unctuous and insinuative, emanated from the figure.
The Black BagLouis Joseph Vance
"I haven't the slightest doubt of it," Bobby responded, with unctuous emphasis.
The Dominant StrainAnna Chapin Ray
All this came out of her like an unctuous trickle of some acrid oil.
The Arrow of GoldJoseph Conrad
"The member is unduly excited," replied the chairman, in his most unctuous tones.
A Woman for MayorHelen M. Winslow
unctuous
- slippery or greasy
- affecting an oily charm
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Word Origin
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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Word Origin and History for unctuous
adj.
late 14c., "oily," from Old French unctueus, from Medieval Latin unctuosus "greasy," from Latin unctus "act of anointing," from past participle stem of unguere "to anoint" (see unguent).
Figurative sense of "blandly ingratiating" is first recorded 1742, perhaps in part with a literal sense, but in part a sarcastic usage from unction in the meaning "deep spiritual feeling" (1690s), such as comes from having been anointed in the rite of unction. Related: Unctuously; unctuousness.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
unctuous
(ŭngk′chōō-əs)- Containing or composed of oil or fat.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.