Meaning of delicate in English | Powered by Free Dictionary API

noun

• A delicate item of clothing, especially underwear or lingerie.

  Example: Don't put that in with your jeans: it's a delicate!

• A choice dainty; a delicacy.

• A delicate, luxurious, or effeminate person.

adjective

• Easily damaged or requiring careful handling.

  Example: The negotiations were very delicate.

• Characterized by a fine structure or thin lines.

  Example: Her face was delicate.

• Intended for use with fragile items.

  Example: Set the washing machine to the delicate cycle.

• Refined; gentle; scrupulous not to trespass or offend; considerate; said of manners, conduct, or feelings.

  Example: delicate attentions

• Of weak health; easily sick; unable to endure hardship.

  Example: a delicate child

• Unwell, especially because of having drunk too much alcohol.

  Example: Please don't speak so loudly: I'm feeling a bit delicate this morning.

• Addicted to pleasure; luxurious; voluptuous; alluring.

• Pleasing to the senses; refined; adapted to please an elegant or cultivated taste.

  Example: a delicate dish

• Slight and shapely; lovely; graceful.

• Light, or softly tinted; said of a colour.

  Example: a delicate shade of blue

• Of exacting tastes and habits; dainty; fastidious.

• Highly discriminating or perceptive; refinedly critical; sensitive; exquisite.

  Example: a delicate ear for music

• Affected by slight causes; showing slight changes.

  Example: a delicate thermometer