I. ˈdelə̇kəsē, -lēk-, -si noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English delicacie, from delicat delicate + -cie -cy
1. obsolete
a. : the quality or state of being pleasurable or agreeable
b. : addiction to sensuous pleasure or luxury : indulgence ; also : luxurious treatment or care
c. : pleasure , gratification
2. : something that is dainty or delicate and gives uncommon pleasure ; especially : something pleasing to eat that is accounted rare or luxurious
fresh fruit in winter was once a delicacy available only to the very rich
3.
a. : fineness or daintiness of form, texture, or constitution
the cobwebby delicacy of fine lace
the delicacy of the long filament that the silkworm spins
a slender figure of great delicacy
b. : want of vigor or robustness : susceptibility to ill-health or injury : frailty , weakness , tenderness
an appearance of overrefinement and delicacy
the delicacy of the tea rose renders it useless for northern gardens
4. : nicety, fineness, or subtle expressiveness of manipulation or touch
the delicacy of a pianist's touch
5.
a. : precise and refined perception and discrimination
the delicacy of his taste in art
b. : extreme sensitivity : capacity for reacting to minute changes or with great precision — used chiefly of devices and mechanisms
a balance of such delicacy that moisture from the breath would activate it
the delicacy of a fine watch movement
6.
a. : nice sensibility especially as to the decorous, honorable, modest, or kindly ; specifically : gentle consideration of the feelings of others
b. : excessive fastidiousness : squeamishness
hunger knows no delicacy
7. : the quality or state of requiring careful, precise, or tactful procedure
the delicacy of the present international situation
II. noun
: the degree of differentiation between subcategories of linguistic categories
by increase in delicacy , the primary class is broken down into secondary classes — M.A.K.Halliday