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delicate

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The definition of delicate is someone or something that is subtle, fragile, frail or a skilled example of something.

(adjective)

An example of delicate is an unboiled egg.
An example of delicate is a finally spun piece of glass.
An example of delicate is a light and delicious cream sauce.

See delicate in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

pleasing in its lightness, mildness, subtlety, etc.: a delicate flavor, odor, or color
beautifully fine in texture, quality, or workmanship: delicate linen, delicate skin
slight and subtle: a delicate difference
easily damaged, spoiled, or disordered: a delicate vase, a delicate stomach
frail in health: a delicate child
1. needing careful handling, tact, etc.: a delicate situation
2. showing tact, consideration, etc.
finely sensitive in feeling, understanding, discriminating, or responding: a delicate ear for music, a delicate gauge
finely skilled
having or showing a sensitive or, sometimes, finicky distaste for what is considered offensive or improper

Origin: ME delicat < L delicatus, giving pleasure, delightful < *delicare, for OL delicere, to allure, entice < de-, intens. + lacere: see delight

noun

Archaic a delicacy; dainty

Related Forms:

delicately adverb
delicateness noun

See delicate in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Pleasing to the senses, especially in a subtle way: a delicate flavor; a delicate violin passage.
Exquisitely fine or dainty: delicate china.
Frail in constitution or health.
Easily broken or damaged: a kite too delicate to fly.
Marked by sensitivity of discrimination: a critic's delicate perception.
a. Considerate of the feelings of others.
b. Concerned with propriety.
c. Squeamish or fastidious.
Requiring tactful treatment: a delicate situation.
Fine or soft in touch or skill: a surgeon's delicate touch.
Measuring, indicating, or responding to very small changes; precise: a delicate set of scales.
Very subtle in difference or distinction.