Definition of delicate

• a. - Addicted to pleasure; luxurious; voluptuous; alluring.
• 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.
• a. - Slight and shapely; lovely; graceful; as, "a delicate creature."
• a. - Fine or slender; minute; not coarse; -- said of a thread, or the like; as, delicate cotton.
• a. - Slight or smooth; light and yielding; -- said of texture; as, delicate lace or silk.
• 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. - Refined; gentle; scrupulous not to trespass or offend; considerate; -- said of manners, conduct, or feelings; as, delicate behavior; delicate attentions; delicate thoughtfulness.
• a. - Tender; not able to endure hardship; feeble; frail; effeminate; -- said of constitution, health, etc.; as, a delicate child; delicate health.
• a. - Requiring careful handling; not to be rudely or hastily dealt with; nice; critical; as, a delicate subject or question.
• a. - Of exacting tastes and habits; dainty; fastidious.
• a. - Nicely discriminating or perceptive; refinedly critical; sensitive; exquisite; as, a delicate taste; a delicate ear for music.
• a. - Affected by slight causes; showing slight changes; as, a delicate thermometer.
• n. - A choice dainty; a delicacy.
• n. - A delicate, luxurious, or effeminate person.