adj.1 a fine in texture or structure; soft, slender, or slight. b of exquisite quality or workmanship. c (of colour) subtle or subdued; not bright. d subtle, hard to appreciate.
2 (of a person) easily injured; susceptible to illness.
3 a requiring careful handling; tricky (a delicate situation). b (of an instrument) highly sensitive.
4 deft (a delicate touch).
5 (of a person) avoiding the immodest or offensive.
6 (esp. of actions) considerate.
7 (of food) dainty; suitable for an invalid.
Phrases and idioms:
in a delicate condition archaic pregnant.
Derivatives:
delicately adv. delicateness n.
Etymology: ME f. OF delicat or L delicatus, of unkn. orig.