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unctuous
unctuous definition
unc·tu·ous (uŋk′c̸ho̵̅o̅ əs)
adjective
- of, like, or characteristic of an ointment or unguent; oily or greasy
- made up of or containing fat or oil
- like oil, soap, or grease to the touch: said of certain minerals
- soft and rich: said of soil
- plastic; moldable
- characterized by a smug, smooth pretense of spiritual feeling, fervor, or earnestness, as in seeking to persuade; too suave or oily in speech or manner
Etymology: ME < ML unctuosus, greasy < L unctum, ointment < ungere, to anoint: see unguent
Related Forms:
- unctuosity unc′·tu·os′·ity (-äs′ə tē) noun or unctuousness unc′·tu·ous·ness
- unctuously unc′·tu·ously adverb
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