ˈnīsəd.ē, -ətē, -i noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English nicete (also, foolishness), from Middle French niceté foolishness, from nice (adjective) + -té -ty
1. : the quality or state of being nice : niceness
2. : a dainty, delicate, or elegant thing or feature
enjoy the niceties of civilized life
3. : an expression, act, mode of treatment, distinction involving delicacy or subtlety : a minute distinction, point, or detail
niceties of workmanship
nicety of a problem
4. : delicacy or exactness of perception or discrimination : precision , accuracy
depicted the scene with the greatest nicety
the nicety of a trained eye and hand
5. : the quality of demanding delicacy and accuracy of treatment
a question of great nicety
6.
a. : delicacy of taste or feeling : fastidiousness
b. : excessive fastidiousness : squeamishness , prudishness
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- to a nicety