I. ˈde-li-kət 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
• del·i·cate·ly adverb
II. noun
Date: 15th century
: something delicate