Definitions for unctionˈʌŋk ʃən
Random House Webster's College Dictionary
unc•tionˈʌŋk ʃən(n.)
the act of anointing, esp. as a medical treatment or religious rite.
the oil used in religious rites, as in anointing the sick or dying.
something soothing or comforting.
an affected or excessive earnestness in manner or utterance; unctuousness.
Origin of unction:
1350–1400; ME < L ūnctiō, der. of ungu(ere) to smear, anoint
Princeton's WordNet
unction, smarm, fulsomeness(noun)
excessive but superficial compliments given with affected charm
fulsomeness, oiliness, oleaginousness, smarminess, unctuousness, unction(noun)
smug self-serving earnestness
ointment, unction, unguent, balm, salve(noun)
semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied externally as a remedy or for soothing an irritation
unction, inunction(noun)
anointing as part of a religious ceremony or healing ritual
Wiktionary
unction(Noun)
a salve or ointment
unction(Noun)
a religious or ceremonial anointing
unction(Noun)
a balm or something that soothes
unction(Noun)
a smug, exaggerated use of language; smarminess
Webster Dictionary
Unction(noun)
the act of anointing, smearing, or rubbing with an unguent, oil, or ointment, especially for medical purposes, or as a symbol of consecration; as, mercurial unction
Unction(noun)
that which is used for anointing; an unguent; an ointment; hence, anything soothing or lenitive
Unction(noun)
divine or sanctifying grace
Unction(noun)
that quality in language, address, or the like, which excites emotion; especially, strong devotion; religious fervor and tenderness; sometimes, a simulated, factitious, or unnatural fervor
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