adj.
Pronunciation: fa- ' sti-d ē - ə s, f ə -
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin fastidiosus, from fastidium disgust, probably from fastus arrogance (prob. akin to Latin fastigium top) + taedium irksomeness ― more at TEDIUM
Date: 15th century
1 archaic : SCORNFUL
2 a : having high and often capricious standards : difficult to please <critics ⋯ so fastidious that they can talk only to a small circle of initiates ― Granville Hicks> b : showing or demanding excessive delicacy or care c : reflecting a meticulous, sensitive, or demanding attitude < fastidious workmanship>
3 : having complex nutritional requirements < fastidious microorganisms>
– fas · tid · i · ous · ly adverb
– fas · tid · i · ous · ness noun