unction

noun

unc·​tion ˈəŋ(k)-shən 

1

: the act of anointing as a rite of consecration or healing

2

: something used for anointing : ointment, unguent

3

a

: religious or spiritual fervor or the expression of such fervor

… the young prelate … spoke with earnest unction.

—Edward Bulwer-Lytton

b

: exaggerated, assumed, or superficial earnestness of language or manner : unctuousness

… the unrelieved tone of solemn unction … tends rapidly to cloy.

—Andor Gomme

Examples of unction in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That unction now seems like too little, too late. —Father Edward Beck, CNN, 6 Oct. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Middle English unccioun, from Anglo-French, from Latin unction-, unctio, from unguere to anoint — more at ointment

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing unction

• extreme unction

Rhymes for unction

• function
• junction
• adjunction
• compunction
• conjunction
• disjunction
• dysfunction
• injunction
• inunction
• malfunction
• eigenfunction
• multifunction

Kids Definition

unction

noun

unc·​tion ˈəŋ(k)-shən 

1

: the act of anointing as a ceremony of healing

2

: exaggerated earnestness of language or manner

Medical Definition

unction

noun

unc·​tion ˈəŋ(k)-shən 

1

: the application of a soothing or lubricating oil or ointment

2

: something that is used for anointing : ointment