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Definition of unction


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unc·tion  audio  (ngkshn) KEY  

NOUN:
  1. The act of anointing as part of a religious, ceremonial, or healing ritual.
  2. An ointment or oil; a salve.
  3. Something that serves to soothe; a balm.
  4. Affected or exaggerated earnestness, especially in choice and use of language.

ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Latin ncti , nctin-, from nctus, past participle of unguere, to anoint


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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition.
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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