unctuous
[ uhngk-choo-uh s ]
/ ˈʌŋk tʃu əs /
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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RELATED WORDS
fatty, greasy, slick, oleaginous, buttery, fulsome, insincere, smooth, smug, suave, smarmy, groveling, ingratiating, obsequious, servile
Nearby words
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
Related formsunc·tu·ous·ly, adverbunc·tu·ous·ness, unc·tu·os·i·ty [uhngk-choo-os-i-tee] /ˌʌŋk tʃuˈɒs ɪ ti/, noun
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for unctuous
British Dictionary definitions for unctuous
unctuous
/ (ˈʌŋktjʊəs) /
adjective
slippery or greasy
affecting an oily charm
Derived Formsunctuosity (ˌʌŋktjʊˈɒsɪtɪ) or unctuousness, noununctuously, adverb
Word 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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Word Origin and History for unctuous
unctuous
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.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Medicine 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.