unctuous — (adj.) late 14c., oily, from O.Fr. unctueus, from M.L. unctuosus greasy, from L. unctus act of anointing, from pp. stem of unguere to anoint (see UNGUENT (Cf. unguent)). Figurative sense of blandly ingratiating is first recorded 1742, perhaps in… … Etymology dictionary
unctuous — *fulsome, oily, oleaginous, slick, soapy Analogous words: bland, politic, smooth, diplomatic (see SUAVE): obsequious (see SUBSERVIENT) Antonyms: brusque … New Dictionary of Synonyms
unctuous — ► ADJECTIVE ▪ excessively flattering or ingratiating. DERIVATIVES unctuously adverb unctuousness noun … English terms dictionary
unctuous — [uŋk′cho͞o əs] adj. [ME < ML unctuosus, greasy < L unctum, ointment < ungere, to anoint: see UNGUENT] 1. a) of, like, or characteristic of an ointment or unguent; oily or greasy b) made up of or containing fat or oil 2. like oil, soap,… … English World dictionary
unctuous — [[t]ʌ̱ŋktʃuəs[/t]] 1) ADJ GRADED (disapproval) If you describe someone as unctuous, you are critical of them because they seem to be full of praise, kindness, or interest, but are obviously insincere. [FORMAL] ...the kind of unctuous tone that I… … English dictionary
unctuous — adjective a) Oily or greasy. In a word, after being tried out, the crisp, shrivelled blubber, now called scraps or fritters, still contains considerable of its unctuous properties. b) Rich, lush, intense, with layers of concentrated, soft,… … Wiktionary
unctuous — 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 … New Collegiate Dictionary
unctuous — Greasy or oily. [L. unctuosus, fr. unctio, unction] * * * unc·tu·ous əŋ(k) chə( wə)s, əŋ(k)sh wəs adj rich in oil or fat: FATTY <an unctuous pharmaceutical preparation> * * * unc·tu·ous (ungkґchoo əs) greasy or oily; oleaginous … Medical dictionary
unctuous — I (Roget s IV) modif. 1. [Oily] Syn. greasy, lenitive, unguent; see oily 1 . 2. [Smooth] Syn. plastic, slippery, waxy; see oily 2 , slippery . 3. [Ingratiating] Syn. smooth, suave, insinuating, obsequious; see affected 2 , oily 3 . II (Roget s 3… … English dictionary for students
unctuous — adjective formal too friendly and praising people too much in a way that seems very insincere: There is something smug and unctuous about him. unctuously adverb unctuousness noun (U) … Longman dictionary of contemporary English
