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adj. 1. Pleasing to the senses, especially in a subtle way: a delicate flavor; a delicate violin passage. 2. a. Easily broken or damaged: a kite too delicate to fly. c. Frail in constitution or health. 3. a. Marked by sensitivity of discrimination: a critic's delicate perception. b. Very subtle in difference or distinction. 4. a. Having or showing great consideration or care: delicate remarks concerning the scandal. b. Requiring careful or tactful treatment: a delicate situation. 5. Fine or soft in touch or skill: a surgeon's delicate touch. 6. Measuring, indicating, or responding to very small changes; precise: a delicate set of scales. [Middle English delicat and French délicat, both from Latin dēlicātus, pleasing; akin to dēlicia, pleasure; see DELICIOUS.] deli·cate·ly adv. deli·cate·ness n. |
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