Adjective
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of an instrument or device
capable of registering minute differences or changes precisely
"almost undetectable with even the most delicate instruments"
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difficult to handle
requiring great tact
"delicate negotiations with the big powers"
"hesitates to be explicit on so ticklish a matter"
"a touchy subject"
-
developed with extreme delicacy and subtlety
"the satire touches with finespun ridicule every kind of human pretense"
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easily hurt
"soft hands"
"a baby's delicate skin"
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easily broken or damaged or destroyed
"a kite too delicate to fly safely"
"fragile porcelain plates"
"fragile old bones"
"a frail craft"
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marked by great skill especially in meticulous technique
"a surgeon's delicate touch"
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exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing
susceptible to injury
"a delicate violin passage"
"delicate china"
"a delicate flavor"
"the delicate wing of a butterfly"