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