delicate

Universal Words adjective 1 easily damaged or broken SYNFRAGILE: delicate china teacups * The eye is one of the most delicate organs of the body. * the delicate ecological balance of the rainforest * Babies have very delicate skin. * a cool wash cycle for delicate fabrics 2 (of a person) not strong and easily becoming ill: a delicate child / constitution * His health had always been delicate. 3 small and having a beautiful shape or appearance: his delicate hands * Women were treated like delicate flowers needing special treatment. 4 made or formed in a very careful and detailed way: the delicate mechanisms of a clock 5 showing or needing skilful, careful or sensitive treatment: I admired your delicate handling of the situation. * a delicate problem * The delicate surgical operation took five hours. 6 (of colours, flavours and smells) light and pleasant; not strong: a delicate fragrance / flavour * a river scene painted in delicate watercolours delicately adverb: He stepped delicately over the broken glass. * delicately balanced flavours