delicate

/dˈɛləkət/ · 3 syllables

Meaning

adjective

exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury
“a delicate violin passage”
marked by great skill especially in meticulous technique
“a surgeon's delicate touch”
easily broken or damaged or destroyed
“a kite too delicate to fly safely”
easily hurt
“soft hands”
developed with extreme delicacy and subtlety
“the satire touches with finespun ridicule every kind of human pretense”
difficult to handle; requiring great tact
“delicate negotiations with the big powers”
of an instrument or device; capable of registering minute differences or changes precisely
“almost undetectable with even the most delicate instruments”

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