unction
[ uhngk-shuh n ]
/ ˈʌŋk ʃən /
noun
an act of anointing, especially as a medical treatment or religious rite.
an unguent or ointment; salve.
something soothing or comforting.
an excessive, affected, sometimes cloying earnestness or fervor in manner, especially in speaking.
Religion.
- the oil used in religious rites, as in anointing the sick or dying.
- the shedding of a divine or spiritual influence upon a person.
- the influence shed.
- extreme unction.
the manifestation of spiritual or religious inspiration.
Origin of unction
1350–1400; Middle English
unctioun < Latin
ūnctiōn (stem of
ūnctiō) anointing, besmearing, equivalent to
ūnct(us) (past participle of
ung(u)ere to smear, anoint) +
-iōn-
-ion
OTHER WORDS FROM unction
unc·tion·less, adjectiveWords nearby unction
uncrossed,
uncrowded,
uncrown,
uncrowned,
unctad,
unction,
unctuarium,
unctuous,
uncultivated,
unculture,
uncultured
Example sentences from the Web for unction
British Dictionary definitions for unction
unction
/ (ˈʌŋkʃən) /
noun
mainly RC Church Eastern Churches
the act of anointing with oil in sacramental ceremonies, in the conferring of holy orders
excessive suavity or affected charm
an ointment or unguent
anything soothing or comforting
Derived forms of unction
unctionless, adjectiveWord Origin for unction
C14: from Latin
unctiō an anointing, from
ungere to anoint; see
unguent
Medical definitions for unction
unction
[ ŭngk′shən ]
n.
The action of applying or rubbing with an ointment or oil.