delicate: Meaning and Definition of

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. sensuous; voluptuous.
—n.
  1. a choice food; delicacy.
  2. a source of pleasure; luxury.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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