First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
unctuous
adjective unc·tu·ous \ˈəŋ(k)-chə-wəs, -chəs, -shwəs\
—used to describe someone who speaks and behaves in a way that is meant to seem friendly and polite but that is unpleasant because it is obviously not sincere
Full Definition of UNCTUOUS
2
: plastic <fine unctuous clay>
3
: full of unction; especially : revealing or marked by a smug, ingratiating, and false earnestness or spirituality
— unc·tu·ous·ly adverb
— unc·tu·ous·ness noun
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Origin of UNCTUOUS
Middle English, from Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French unctueus, from Medieval Latin unctuosus, from Latin unctus act of anointing, from unguere to anoint
Related to UNCTUOUS
- Synonyms
- artificial, backhanded, counterfeit, double, double-dealing, double-faced, fake, feigned, hypocritical, Janus-faced, jive [slang], left-handed, lip, mealy, mealymouthed, Pecksniffian, phony (also phoney), phony-baloney (or phoney-baloney), pretended, two-faced, insincere
Other Ecology Terms
Medical Dictionary
unctuous
adjective unc·tu·ous \ˈəŋ(k)-chə(-wə)s, ˈəŋ(k)sh-wəs\
Medical Definition of UNCTUOUS
: rich in oil or fat : fatty <an unctuous pharmaceutical preparation>
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