/ Dictionary / Index D delicate: Meaning and Definition of Find definitions for: del•i•cate Pronunciation: (del'i-kit), [key] — adj. fine in texture, quality, construction, etc.: a delicate lace collar. fragile; easily damaged; frail: delicate porcelain; a delicate child. so fine as to be scarcely perceptible; subtle: a delicate flavor. soft or faint, as color: a delicate shade of pink. fine or precise in action or execution; capable of responding to the slightest influence: a delicate instrument. requiring great care, caution, or tact: a delicate international situation. distinguishing subtle differences: a delicate eye; a delicate sense of smell. exquisite or refined in perception or feeling; sensitive. regardful of what is becoming, proper, etc.: a delicate sense of propriety. mindful of or sensitive to the feelings of others: a delicate refusal. dainty or choice, as food: delicate tidbits. primly fastidious; squeamish: not a movie for the delicate viewer. sensuous; voluptuous. —n. a choice food; delicacy. a source of pleasure; luxury. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease. See also: delicate (Thesaurus) delicacy delicatessen Related Content Daily Word Quiz: tactful Analogy of the Day: Today’s Analogy Spelling Bee: Today’s Spelling Bee Frequently Misspelled Words Frequently Mispronounced Words Easily Confused Words Writing & Language