delicate

I. adjective Etymology: Middle English delicat, from Latin delicatus given to self-indulgence, fastidious, subtly pleasing, not robust; akin to Latin delicere to allure Date: 14th century 1. pleasing to the senses: a. generally pleasant <

the climate's delicate, the air most sweet — Shakespeare

> b. pleasing to the sense of taste or smell especially in a mild or subtle way <

a delicate aroma

> <

a robust wine will dominate delicate dishes

> c. marked by daintiness or charm of color, lines, or proportions <

a delicate floral print

> <

an ample tear trilled down her delicate cheek — Shakespeare

> d. marked by fineness of structure, workmanship, or texture <

a delicate tracery

> <

a delicate lace

> 2. a. marked by keen sensitivity or fine discrimination <

delicate insights

> <

a more delicate syntactic analysis — R. H. Robins

> b. fastidious, squeamish <

a person of delicate tastes

> 3. a. not robust in health or constitution ; weak, sickly <

had been considered a delicate child

> b. easily torn or damaged ; fragile <

the delicate chain of life

> 4. a. requiring careful handling: (1) easily unsettled or upset <

a delicate balance

> <

the delicate relationships defined by the Constitution — New Yorker

> (2) requiring skill or tact <

in a delicate position

> <

delicate negotiations

> <

a delicate operation

> (3) involving matters of a deeply personal nature ; sensitive <

this is a delicate matter. Could I possibly speak to you alone — Daphne Du Maurier

> b. marked by care, skill, or tact <

delicate handling of a difficult situation

> 5. marked by great precision or sensitivity <

a delicate instrument

> Synonyms: see choice • delicately adverb II. noun Date: 15th century something delicate