— touchily , adv. — touchiness , n.
/tuch"ee/ , adj., touchier, touchiest .
1. apt to take offense on slight provocation; irritable: He is very touchy when he's sick.
2. requiring caution, tactfulness, or expert handling; precarious; risky: a touchy subject; a touchy situation.
3. sensitive to touch.
4. easily ignited, as tinder.
[ 1595-1605; var. of TECHY, by assoc. with TOUCH ]
Syn. 1. testy, irascible, edgy, snappish, cranky. See irritable .