unc·tu·ous ( ngk ch - s)adj. 1. Characterized by affected, exaggerated, or insincere earnestness: "the unctuous, complacent court composer who is consumed with envy and self-loathing" (Rhoda Koenig). 2. Having the quality or characteristics of oil or ointment; slippery. 3. Containing or composed of oil or fat. 4. Abundant in organic materials; soft and rich: unctuous soil. [Middle English, from Old French unctueus, from Medieval Latin  nctu sus, from Latin nctum, ointment, from neuter past participle of unguere, to anoint.]unc tu·ous·ly adv.unc tu·ous·ness, unc tu·osi·ty (- s -t ) n.Synonyms: unctuous, fulsome, oily, oleaginous, smarmy These adjectives mean insincerely, self-servingly, or smugly agreeable or earnest: an unctuous toady; gave the dictator a fulsome introduction; oily praise; oleaginous hypocrisy; smarmy self-importance. |
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