unctuous \UNGK-choo-us\, adjective:
1. Of the nature or quality of an unguent or ointment; fatty;
oily; greasy.
2. Having a smooth, greasy feel, as certain minerals.
3. Insincerely or excessively suave or ingratiating in manner
or speech; marked by a false or smug earnestness or
agreeableness.
A warmed, crusty French roll arrives split, lightly smeared
with unctuous chopped liver.
--John Kessler, "Meals To Go: Break from the routine with
Hong," [1]Atlanta Journal-Constitution, October 22, 1998
She recalled being offended by the "phoniness" that stemmed
from the contradiction between her mother's charming, even
unctuous public manner and her anger in private.
--Daniel Horowitz, [2]Betty Friedan And the Making of 'The
Feminine Mystique'
He approached Sean wearing a smile so unctuous it seemed
about to slide right off his face.
--Naeem Murr, [3]The Boy
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Unctuous is from Medieval Latin unctuosus, from Latin unctus,
"anointed, besmeared, greasy," past participle of unguere, "to
anoint, to besmear."
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