Definition of "delicate" []

• Pleasing to the senses, especially in a subtle way: a delicate flavor; a delicate violin passage. (adjective)
• Exquisitely fine or dainty: delicate china. (adjective)
• Frail in constitution or health. (adjective)
• Easily broken or damaged: a kite too delicate to fly. (adjective)
• Marked by sensitivity of discrimination: a critic's delicate perception. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "All fine colouring, like fine drawing, is _delicate_; and so delicate that if, at last, you"
• "It's interesting to note Fisher's use of the term "delicate balance" in reference to Tennessee Williams."
• "That is what I call a delicate attention, dear master, and I thank you very much for it."