a. | 1. | Addicted to pleasure; luxurious; voluptuous; alluring. |
| 2. | Pleasing to the senses; refinedly agreeable; hence, adapted to please a nice or cultivated taste; nice; fine; elegant; as, a delicate dish; delicate flavor. |
| 3. | Slight and shapely; lovely; graceful; as, "a delicate creature." |
| 4. | Fine or slender; minute; not coarse; - said of a thread, or the like; as, delicate cotton. |
| 5. | Slight or smooth; light and yielding; - said of texture; as, delicate lace or silk. |
| 6. | Soft and fair; - said of the skin or a surface; as, a delicate cheek; a delicate complexion. |
| 7. | Light, or softly tinted; - said of a color; as, a delicate blue. |
| 8. | Refined; gentle; scrupulous not to trespass or offend; considerate; - said of manners, conduct, or feelings; as, delicate behavior; delicate attentions; delicate thoughtfulness. |
| 9. | Tender; not able to endure hardship; feeble; frail; effeminate; - said of constitution, health, etc.; as, a delicate child; delicate health. |
| 10. | Requiring careful handling; not to be rudely or hastily dealt with; nice; critical; as, a delicate subject or question. |
| 11. | Of exacting tastes and habits; dainty; fastidious. |
| 12. | Nicely discriminating or perceptive; refinedly critical; sensitive; exquisite; as, a delicate taste; a delicate ear for music. |
| 13. | Affected by slight causes; showing slight changes; as, a delicate thermometer. |
n. | 1. | A choice dainty; a delicacy. |
| 2. | A delicate, luxurious, or effeminate person. |