adjective

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

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

noun