|
|
Definition of Unction
1. Noun. Excessive but superficial compliments given with affected charm.
2. Noun. Smug self-serving earnestness.
Generic synonyms: Hypocrisy
Derivative terms: Fulsome, Oily, Oleaginous, Smarmy, Unctuous
3. Noun. Semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied externally as a remedy or for soothing an irritation.
Specialized synonyms: Arnica, Baby Oil, Balsam, Carron Oil, Cerate, Chrism, Chrisom, Holy Oil, Sacramental Oil, Lip Balm, Mentholated Salve, Mercurial Ointment, Zinc Ointment
Generic synonyms: Curative, Cure, Remedy, Therapeutic
Category relationships: Medical Specialty, Medicine
Terms within: Lanolin, Wool Fat, Wool Grease
Derivative terms: Salve
4. Noun. Anointing as part of a religious ceremony or healing ritual.
Generic synonyms: Anointing, Anointment, Religious Ceremony, Religious Ritual
Derivative terms: Inunct
Definition of Unction
1. n. 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.
2. n. 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.
Definition of Unction
1. Noun. a salve or ointment ¹
2. Noun. a religious or ceremonial anointing ¹
3. Noun. a balm or something that soothes ¹
4. Noun. a smug, exaggerated use of language; smarminess ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Definition of Unction
1. the act of anointing [n -S]
Medical Definition of Unction
1. 1. 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. "To be heir, and to be king By sacred unction, thy deserved right." (Milton) 2. That which is used for anointing; an unguent; an ointment; hence, anything soothing or lenitive. "The king himself the sacred unction made." (Dryden) "Lay not that flattering unction to your soul." (Shak) 3. Divine or sanctifying grace. 4. 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. "The delightful equivoque and unction of the passage in Farquhar." (Hazlitt) "The mention of thy glory Is unction to the breast." (Neale (Rhythm of St. Bernard)) Extreme unction, the sacrament of anointing in the last hours; the application of consecrated oil by a priest to all the senses, that is, to eyes, ears, nostrils, etc, of a person when in danger of death from illness, done for remission of sins. Origin: OE. Unccioun, uncioun, OF. Oncion, onction, F. Onction, fr. L. Unctio, fr. Ungere, unctum, to anoint. See Unguent. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Unction
Other Resources:
