delicate
Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
delicate/ˈdelɪkət/
▶adjective
- 1 very fine in texture or structure; of intricate workmanship or quality.
■ (of food or drink) subtly and pleasantly flavoured.
- 2 easily broken or damaged; fragile.
■ susceptible to illness or adverse conditions.
- 3 requiring sensitive or careful handling.
■ skilful; deft.
– phrases
in a delicate condition archaic pregnant.
in a delicate condition archaic pregnant.
– derivatives
delicately adverb,
delicateness noun.
delicately adverb,
delicateness noun.
– origin ME (in the sense ‘delightful, charming’): from Fr. délicat or L. delicatus, of unknown origin.
'delicate' also found in these Oxford entries:
airy
- baby's breath
- balas ruby
- basement membrane
- basmati rice
- bloom
- bull
- Chantilly lace
- chervil
- conservatory
- dainty
- diaphanous
- dove
- Dresden china
- ectomorph
- eggshell
- elf
- English rose
- ethereal
- exquisite
- filigree
- fine
- fine-spun
- frail
- gingerly
- heavy
- housing
- jasper
- lacewing
- lepto-
- light
- mayfly
- mimosa
- minuet
- overdelicate
- pastel
- pia
- pretty
- prim
- quilling
- sensitive
- shell pink
- simper
- snowflake
- subtle
- tea rose
- tender
- tissue
- tracery
