- The definition of unctuous is oily, greasy or slippery in feel or character, or soft and rich garden soil.
- An example of unctuous is how a slug feels.
- An example of unctuous is a self-absorbed politician.
- An example of unctuous is good garden dirt.
- 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
Origin of unctuousMiddle English ; from Medieval Latin unctuosus, greasy ; from Classical Latin unctum, ointment ; from ungere, to anoint: see unguent
- Excessively ingratiating or insincerely earnest: was annoyed by the unctuous waiter.
- a. Containing or composed of oil or fat.b. Having the quality or characteristics of oil or ointment; slippery.
- Abundant in organic materials; soft and rich: unctuous soil.
Origin of unctuousMiddle English, from Old French unctueus, from Medieval Latin ūnctuōsus, from Latin ūnctum, ointment, from neuter past participle of unguere, to anoint.
- unc′tu·ous·ness, unc′tu·os′i·ty
(comparative more unctuous, superlative most unctuous)
From Medieval Latin unctuÅsus (“oily"), from Latin unguere, ungere (“to anoint").