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delicate

delicate

25 5.3
Able to notice very small changes
  • adjective
  • /ˈdɛlɪkɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : sensible
  • When calibrating this delicate gauge, even a tiny adjustment can significantly affect the readings.
  • delicate measurements

And frankly, that's not a very delicate tool.

Examples

  • They're made of filigreed gold, delicate as a web, and studded with tiny diamonds.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • You need very delicate motor skills and also social skills to do that.

  • Now, this is a very delicate machine.

  • This is a very delicate configuration.

  • And so you can rub the area and remove a very delicate amount of the fill in medium.

  • This is some very delicate equipment that you're throwing around.

  • A week before Christmas, he built a delicate black-walnut nightstand as a gift for Marla.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • The enormous chamber is webbed with a delicate organosilicate implanted pattern.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • This instrument is very delicate, able to measure even the slightest temperature change.

  • The designer created a delicate device that responds accurately to small shifts in pressure.

Compounds

A fine, light piece of cloth worn over the face for decoration or during ceremonies

How Sensitive

delicate
  • Specialized
25 5.3
sensitive
217 2.7
insensitive
124 4.6
unresponsive
20 4.7

Surface Forms

delicate positive
delicater comparative
delicatest superlative

Etymology

The word delicate comes from the Latin delicatus, meaning 'fine' or 'dainty'. So a 'delicate' instrument is one very finely made and able to notice small changes, and it must be used carefully.