UNCTUOUS


Meaning of UNCTUOUS in English

— unctuously , adv. — unctuousness, unctuosity /ungk'chooh os"i tee/ , n.

/ungk"chooh euhs/ , adj.

1. characterized by excessive piousness or moralistic fervor, esp. in an affected manner; excessively smooth, suave, or smug.

2. of the nature of or characteristic of an unguent or ointment; oily; greasy.

3. having an oily or soapy feel, as certain minerals.

[ 1350-1400; ME unctuosus, equiv. to L unctu ( s ) act of anointing ( ung ( uere ) to smear, anoint + -tus suffix of v. action) + -osus -OUS ]

Random House Webster's Unabridged English dictionary.      Полный английский словарь Вебстер - Random House .