1
- very fine in texture or structure; of intricate workmanship or quality细腻的; 精巧的, 精美的, 精致的。
1.1
- (of colour) subtle and subdued柔和的, 细微的：
delicate pastel shades.
柔和的蜡笔色彩。
1.2
- (of food or drink) subtly and pleasantly flavoured（食物, 饮料）清淡的, 鲜美的：
a delicate, sweet flavour.
清甜的味道。
2
- easily broken or damaged; fragile易碎的, 易坏的, 脆弱的：
delicate china.
易碎的瓷器。
2.1
- (of a person, animal, or plant) susceptible to illness or adverse conditions（人, 动物, 植物）病弱的, 柔弱的：
his delicate health.
他柔弱的身体。
2.2
- (of a state or condition) easily upset or damaged（状态, 条件）脆弱的：
owls have a delicate balance with their habitat.
猫头鹰对栖息地很挑剔。
3
- requiring sensitive or careful handling难以处理的, 微妙的：
delicate negotiations.
微妙的谈判。
3.1
- (of a person or an action) tactful and considerate（人, 行为）巧妙的, 周到的：
the most delicate tact was called for.
需要最巧妙的手法。
3.2
- skilful and finely judged; deft灵巧的, 灵敏的：
his delicate ball-playing skills.
他灵巧的球技。
3.3
- (of an instrument) highly sensitive（仪器）灵敏的。
- informal a delicate fabric or garment made of such fabric〈非正式〉精致的织物（或衣服）。
短语
in a delicate condition
- archaic pregnant〈古〉身怀六甲。
派生词
delicately
adverbdelicateness
noun词源
late Middle English （in the sense 'delightful， charming'）： from French délicat or Latin delicatus, of unknown origin. Senses also expressed in Middle English (now obsolete) include 'voluptuous'， 'self-indulgent'， 'fastidious'， and 'effeminate'.