Definition of meretricious

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perfunctory
Definition: (adjective) unenthusiastic, routine, or mechanical.
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mer·e·tri·cious  audio  (mr-trshs) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:
    1. Attracting attention in a vulgar manner: meretricious ornamentation. See Synonyms at gaudy1.
    2. Plausible but false or insincere; specious: a meretricious argument.
  2. Of or relating to prostitutes or prostitution: meretricious relationships.
ETYMOLOGY:
Latin meretrcius, of prostitutes, from meretrx, meretrc-, prostitute, from merre, to earn money; see (s)mer-2 in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
mere·tricious·ly(Adverb), mere·tricious·ness(Noun)


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