Definition of delicacy
delicacies
1 obsolete a : the quality or state of being luxuriousb : indulgence
2 : something pleasing to eat that is considered rare or luxurious considered caviar a delicacy
3a : the quality or state of being dainty (see 2dainty 2) : fineness lace of great delicacy the delicacy of a spider webb : frailty 1 the delicacy of his health
4 : fineness or subtle expressiveness of touch (as in painting or music)
5a : precise and refined perception and discrimination the delicacy of his taste in artb : extreme sensitivity : precision an electronic instrument of great delicacy
6a : refined sensibility in feeling or conduct handled the difficult situation with delicacyb : the quality or state of being squeamish Hunger knows no delicacy.
7 : the quality or state of requiring delicate (see 1delicate 4b) handling the delicacy of the tense negotiations
From the M-W Editors
Examples of delicacy in a sentence
The restaurant serves delicious sausages and other regional delicacies.
the delicacy of the glassware
The curtains were made from fine lace of great delicacy.
a musician known for the delicacy of her compositions
the delicacy of the young boy's features
the delicacy of the perfume
the delicacy of the wine's flavor
Because of the delicacy of the situation, we needed to speak privately.
Origin and Etymology of delicacy
see 1delicate
First Known Use: 14th century
DELICACY Defined for Kids
delicacy
playDefinition of delicacy for Students
delicacies
1 : something pleasing to eat that is rare or a luxury
2 : fineness of structure She wore lace of great delicacy.
3 : weakness of body : frailty
4 : a need for careful treatment This is a situation of great delicacy.
5 : consideration for the feelings of others She had the delicacy to ignore my blunder.
Learn More about delicacy
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for delicacy Spanish Central: Translation of delicacy Nglish: Translation of delicacy for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of delicacy for Arabic speakers
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