[more delicate; most delicate] 1 a : easily broken or damaged
▪ The cup is very delicate [=fragile], so please handle it carefully. ▪ delicate flowers
b : easily injured, hurt, or made sick
▪ Her health is very delicate. [=frail] ▪ He has a delicate stomach and often gets sick when traveling. 2 a : attractive and made up of small or fine parts
▪ The fabric has a delicate floral print. ▪ a small boy with delicate (facial) features ▪ She has delicate hands. [=small and attractive hands]
b : very carefully and beautifully made
▪ We hung delicate lace curtains in the windows. ▪ The tomb was adorned with delicate carvings. 3 : attractive because of being soft, gentle, light, etc. : pleasant or attractive in a way that is not too strong
▪ the delicate flavor of the wine ▪ a delicate perfume/sauce ▪ a delicate color 4 : easily disturbed or upset
▪ Many people struggle to maintain the delicate balance between work and family. ▪ The violence in the film offended her delicate sensibilities. ▪ The movie is not for delicate [=squeamish] people. 5 : requiring special care or skill : difficult to manage or do well
▪ The doctor performed the delicate operation. ▪ This is a delicate situation that needs to be handled carefully. ▪ The situation calls for a very delicate approach.