Main Entry: fas·tid·i·ous

Pronunciation: \fa-ˈsti-dē-əs, fə-\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin fastidiosus, from fastidium disgust, probably from fastus arrogance (probably akin to Latin fastigium top) + taedium irksomeness — more at tedium

Date: 15th century

1 archaic : scornful
2 a : having high and often capricious standards : difficult to please <critics…so fastidious that they can talk only to a small circle of initiates — Granville Hicks> b : showing or demanding excessive delicacy or care c : reflecting a meticulous, sensitive, or demanding attitude <fastidious workmanship>
3 : having complex nutritional requirements <fastidious microorganisms>

— fas·tid·i·ous·ly adverb

— fas·tid·i·ous·ness noun