Delicate Definition
dĕlĭ-kĭt
adjective
delicatest
Pleasing in its lightness, mildness, subtlety, etc.
A delicate flavor, odor, or color.
Webster's New World
Beautifully fine in texture, quality, or workmanship.
Delicate linen, delicate skin.
Webster's New World
Easily damaged, spoiled, or disordered.
A delicate vase, a delicate stomach.
Webster's New World
Frail in health.
A delicate child.
Webster's New World
Slight and subtle.
A delicate difference.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
noun
A delicacy; dainty.
Webster's New World
Other Word Forms of Delicate
Noun
Singular:
delicate
Plural:
delicatesAdjective
Base Form:
delicate
Superlative:
delicatestOrigin of Delicate
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From Middle English delicat, from Latin delicatus (“giving pleasure, delightful, soft, luxurious, delicate, in Medieval Latin also fine, slender”), from delicia, usually in plural deliciae (“pleasure, delight, luxury”), from delicere (“to allure”), from de (“away”) + lacere (“to allure, entice”).
From Wiktionary
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Middle English delicat French délicat both from Latin dēlicātus pleasing akin to dēlicia pleasure delicious
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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