- (a.) Affected by slight causes; showing slight changes; as, a delicate thermometer.
- (a.) Slight or smooth; light and yielding; -- said of texture; as, delicate lace or silk.
- (a.) Refined; gentle; scrupulous not to trespass or offend; considerate; -- said of manners, conduct or feelings; as, delicate behavior; delicate attentions; delicate thoughtfulness.
- (a.) Fine or slender; minute; not coarse; -- said of a thread or the like; as, delicate cotton.
- (a.) Of exacting tastes and habits; dainty; fastidious.
- (a.) Addicted to pleasure; luxurious; voluptuous; alluring.
- (a.) Soft and fair; -- said of the skin or a surface; as, a delicate cheek; a delicate complexion.
- (a.) Light or softly tinted; -- said of a color; as, a delicate blue.
- (a.) Slight and shapely; lovely; graceful; as, "a delicate creature.".
- (a.) Requiring careful handling; not to be rudely or hastily dealt with; nice; critical; as, a delicate subject or question.
- (n.) A delicate, luxurious or effeminate person.
- (a.) Tender; not able to endure hardship; feeble; frail; effeminate; -- said of constitution, health, etc.; as, a delicate child; delicate health.
- (n.) A choice dainty; a delicacy.
- (a.) Nicely discriminating or perceptive; refinedly critical; sensitive; exquisite; as, a delicate taste; a delicate ear for music.
- (a.) Pleasing to the senses; refinedly agreeable; hence, adapted to please a nice or cultivated taste; nice; fine; elegant; as, a delicate dish; delicate flavor.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
| APA | Webster's. (2011). delicate. Retrieved September 20, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/delicate/definitions/1995663 |
| Chicago | Webster's. 2011. "delicate" http://smartdefine.org/delicate/definitions/1995663 (accessed September 20, 2026). |
| Harvard | Webster's 2011, delicate, Smart Define, viewed 20 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/delicate/definitions/1995663>. |
| MLA | Webster's. "delicate" 27 May 2011. Web. 20 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/delicate/definitions/1995663> |