Dictionary
del•i•cate
Pronunciation: (del'i-kit), [key]—
adj.
1. fine in texture, quality, construction, etc.:
a delicate lace collar.
2. fragile; easily damaged; frail:
delicate porcelain; a delicate child.
3. so fine as to be scarcely perceptible; subtle:
a delicate flavor.
4. soft or faint, as color:
a delicate shade of pink.
5. fine or precise in action or execution; capable of responding to the slightest influence:
a delicate instrument.
6. requiring great care, caution, or tact:
a delicate international situation.
7. distinguishing subtle differences:
a delicate eye; a delicate sense of smell.
8. exquisite or refined in perception or feeling; sensitive.
9. regardful of what is becoming, proper, etc.:
a delicate sense of propriety.
10. mindful of or sensitive to the feelings of others:
a delicate refusal.
11. dainty or choice, as food:
delicate tidbits.
12. primly fastidious; squeamish:
not a movie for the delicate viewer.
13. Obs.sensuous; voluptuous.
—
n.
1. Archaic.a choice food; delicacy.
2. Obs.a source of pleasure; luxury.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
