unctuous

unctuous Definition

unc·tu·ous (uŋk′c̸ho̵̅o̅ əs)

adjective

1. of, like, or characteristic of an ointment or unguent; oily or greasy
2. 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

unctuous Related Forms

unc′·tu·os′·ity (-äs′ə tē) noun or unc′·tu·ous·ness unc′·tu·ously adverb

unctuous Synonyms

modif.

unctuous Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

wine: This multi layered unctuous wine with amazing depth and class.
texture: The tendons in the beef had melted right down to give a gratifyingly unctuous texture.
fruit: Rather, there was a flinty, somewhat austere structure giving support and contrast to rich, unctuous fruit.
performance: Did that stop the unctuous performances of Fradd and Chisholm?

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