UNCTUOUS


Meaning of UNCTUOUS in English

adj.

Pronunciation: ' ə ŋ (k)-ch ə -w ə s, -ch ə s, -shw ə s

Function: adjective

Etymology: 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

Date: 14th century

1 a : FATTY , OILY b : smooth and greasy in texture or appearance

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

Merriam Webster Collegiate English Dictionary.      Merriam Webster - Энциклопедический словарь английского языка.