Definition of "delicate" in English

adjective

1. Easily damaged or requiring careful handling.

   • Those clothes are made from delicate lace.
   • The negotiations were very delicate.

2. Characterized by a fine structure or thin lines.

   • Her face was delicate.
   • The spider wove a delicate web.
   • There was a delicate pattern of frost on the window.

3. Intended for use with fragile items.

   • Set the washing machine to the delicate cycle.

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

   • delicate behaviour
   • delicate attentions
   • delicate thoughtfulness

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

   • a delicate child
   • delicate health

6. (informal) Unwell, especially because of having drunk too much alcohol.

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

7. (obsolete) Addicted to pleasure; luxurious; voluptuous; alluring.

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

   • a delicate dish
   • delicate flavour

9. Slight and shapely; lovely; graceful.

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

    • a delicate shade of blue

11. Of exacting tastes and habits; dainty; fastidious.

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

    • a delicate taste
    • a delicate ear for music

13. Affected by slight causes; showing slight changes.

    • a delicate thermometer

noun

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

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

2. (obsolete) A choice dainty; a delicacy.

3. (obsolete) A delicate, luxurious, or effeminate person.

4. A moth of the species Mythimna vitellina.