n. (pl. -ies) 1 (esp. in craftsmanship or artistic or natural beauty) fineness or intricacy of structure or texture; gracefulness. 2 susceptibility to injury or disease; weakness. 3 the quality of requiring discretion or sensitivity (a situation of some delicacy). 4 a choice or expensive food. 5 a consideration for the feelings of others. b avoidance of immodesty or vulgarity. 6 (esp. in a person, a sense, or an instrument) accuracy of perception; sensitiveness.
[ ME f. DELICATE + -ACY ]