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.
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
OTHER WORDS FROM unctuous
unc·tu·ous·ly, adverb unc·tu·ous·ness, unc·tu·os·i·ty [uhngk-choo-os-i-tee] /ˌʌŋk tʃuˈɒs ɪ ti/, nounWords nearby unctuous
uncrown,
uncrowned,
unctad,
unction,
unctuarium,
unctuous,
uncultivated,
unculture,
uncultured,
uncurl,
uncus
Example sentences from the Web for unctuous
British Dictionary definitions for unctuous
unctuous
/ (ˈʌŋktjʊəs) /
adjective
slippery or greasy
affecting an oily charm
Derived forms of unctuous
unctuosity (ˌʌŋktjʊˈɒsɪtɪ) or unctuousness, noun unctuously, adverbWord Origin for unctuous
C14: from Medieval Latin
unctuōsus, from Latin
unctum ointment, from
ungere to anoint
Medical definitions for unctuous
unctuous
[ ŭngk′chōō-əs ]
adj.
Containing or composed of oil or fat.