unctuous Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite unpleasantly and excessively suave or ingratiating in manner or speech
    fulsome; buttery; soapy; oleaginous; smarmy; oily.
    • buttery praise
    • gave him a fulsome introduction
    • an oily sycophantic press agent
    • oleaginous hypocrisy
    • smarmy self-importance
    • the unctuous Uriah Heep
    • soapy compliments

WordNet

Unc"tu*ous adjective
Etymology
F. onctueux, LL. unctuosus, fr. L. unctus anointment, fr. ungere, unctum, to anoint. See Unguent.
Definitions
  1. Of the nature or quality of an unguent or ointment; fatty; oily; greasy. "The unctuous cheese." Longfellow.
  2. Having a smooth, greasy feel, as certain minerals.
  3. Bland; suave; also, tender; fervid; as, an unctuous speech; sometimes, insincerely suave or fervid. -- Unc"tu*ous*ly, adv. -- Unc"tu*ous*ness, n.

Webster 1913