Entry Word: delicacy

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 something that is pleasing to eat because it is rare or a luxury <they were given a plate of delicacies while they waited for the queen>

Synonyms dainty, goody, tidbit (also titbit), treat

Related Words morsel; candy, dessert, junket, sweet, sweetmeat

2 the state or quality of having a delicate structure <they marvelled at the delicacy of a snowflake>

Synonyms daintiness, delicateness, exquisiteness, fineness, fragility

Related Words flimsiness, insubstantiality, wispiness

Near Antonyms firmness, solidity; strength

Antonyms coarseness, crudeness, crudity, roughness, rudeness

3 the tendency to be or state of being squeamish <the urgent need for blood prompted many people to overcome their habitual delicacy and become first-time donors>

Synonyms qualmishness, queasiness, squeamishness

Related Words daintiness, fastidiousness, finickiness, fussiness

Near Antonyms boldness

Antonyms indelicacy

4 the quality or state of being very accurate <the delicacy of the watch movement is incredible> — see precision
5 the quality or state of lacking physical strength or vigor <all of her life the shy poet gave the appearance of extreme delicacy> — see weakness 1