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unctuous

 - 5 dictionary results

unc⋅tu⋅ous

  [uhngk-choo-uhs]
Use unctuous in a Sentence
–adjective
1. characterized by excessive piousness or moralistic fervor, esp. in an affected manner; excessively smooth, suave, or smug.
2. of the nature of or characteristic of an unguent or ointment; oily; greasy.
3. having an oily or soapy feel, as certain minerals.
Origin:
1350–1400; ME < ML ūnctuōsus, equiv. to L ūnctu(s) act of anointing (ung(uere) to smear, anoint + -tus suffix of v. action) + -ōsus -ous

Related forms:
unc⋅tu⋅ous⋅ly, adverb
unc⋅tu⋅ous⋅ness, unc⋅tu⋅os⋅i⋅ty  [uhngk-choo-os-i-tee] , noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To unctuous
unc·tu·ous   (ŭngk'chōō-əs)   
adj.  

  1. Characterized by affected, exaggerated, or insincere earnestness: "the unctuous, complacent court composer who is consumed with envy and self-loathing" (Rhoda Koenig).

  2. Having the quality or characteristics of oil or ointment; slippery.

  3. Containing or composed of oil or fat.

  4. Abundant in organic materials; soft and rich: unctuous soil.


[Middle English, from Old French unctueus, from Medieval Latin ūnctuōsus, from Latin ūnctum, ointment, from neuter past participle of unguere, to anoint.]
unc'tu·ous·ly adv., unc'tu·ous·ness, unc'tu·os'i·ty (-ŏs'ĭ-tē) n.
Synonyms: These adjectives mean insincerely, self-servingly, or smugly agreeable or earnest: an unctuous toady; gave the dictator a fulsome introduction; oily praise; oleaginous hypocrisy; smarmy self-importance.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

unctuous 
1387, "oily," from O.Fr. unctueus, from M.L. unctuosus "greasy," from L. unctus "act of anointing," from pp. stem of unguere "to anoint" (see unguent). Fig. 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" (1692), such as comes from having been anointed in the rite of unction.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: unc·tu·ous
Pronunciation: '&[ng](k)-ch&(-w&)s, '&[ng](k)sh-w&s
Function: adjective
: rich in oil or fat : FATTY unctuous pharmaceutical preparation>
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

unctuous unc·tu·ous (ŭngk'ch&oomacr;-əs)
adj.
Containing or composed of oil or fat.

unc'tu·ous·ness or unc'tu·os'i·ty (-ŏs'ĭ-tē) n.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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