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unctuous

Syllabification: (unc·tu·ous)
Pronunciation: /ˈəNG(k)CHo͞oəs/

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Definition of unctuous

adjective

  • 1(of a person) excessively or ingratiatingly flattering; oily:he seemed anxious to please but not in an unctuous way
  • 2(chiefly of minerals) having a greasy or soapy feel.

Derivatives

unctuously

adverb

unctuousness

noun

Origin:

late Middle English (in the sense 'greasy'): from medieval Latin unctuosus, from Latin unctus 'anointing', from unguere 'anoint'

unctuous in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of unctuous in the British & World English dictionary

Nearby words

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