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unctuous

 - 4 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.
Cite This Source
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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