delicacy

[ del-i-kuh-see ]

noun

, plural del·i·ca·cies.

1. fineness of texture, quality, etc.; softness; daintiness:

   the delicacy of lace.

   Antonyms: coarseness

2. something delightful or pleasing, especially a choice food considered with regard to its rarity, costliness, or the like:

   Caviar is a great delicacy.

3. the quality of being easily broken or damaged; fragility.
4. the quality of requiring or involving great care or tact:

   negotiations of great delicacy.

5. extreme sensitivity; precision of action or operation; minute accuracy:

   the delicacy of a skillful surgeon's touch; a watch mechanism of unusual delicacy.

   Synonyms: discrimination, sensitivity, circumspection, consideration, prudence

6. fineness of perception or feeling; sensitiveness:

   the delicacy of the pianist's playing.

   Antonyms: coarseness

7. fineness of feeling with regard to what is fitting, proper, etc.:

   Delicacy would not permit her to be rude.

8. sensitivity with regard to the feelings of others:

   She criticized him with such delicacy that he was not offended.

9. bodily weakness; liability to sickness; frailty.
10. Linguistics. (especially in systemic linguistics) the degree of minuteness pursued at a given stage of analysis in specifying distinctions in linguistic description.
11. Obsolete. sensuous indulgence; luxury.

delicacy

/ ˈdɛlɪkəsɪ /

noun

1. fine or subtle quality, character, construction, etc

   delicacy of craftsmanship

2. fragile, soft, or graceful beauty
3. something that is considered choice to eat, such as caviar
4. fragile construction or constitution; frailty
5. refinement of feeling, manner, or appreciation

   the delicacy of the orchestra's playing

6. fussy or squeamish refinement, esp in matters of taste, propriety, etc
7. need for tactful or sensitive handling
8. accuracy or sensitivity of response or operation, as of an instrument
9. (in systemic grammar) the level of detail at which a linguistic description is made; the degree of fine distinction in a linguistic description
10. obsolete.
    gratification, luxury, or voluptuousness

Other Words From

• hyper·deli·ca·cy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of delicacy¹

First recorded in 1325–75, delicacy is from the Middle English word delicasie. See delicate, -cy

Example Sentences

Emily and her team are feeding hungry festival-goers with American BBQ style delicacies at the Haunted Harvest Halloween Market at Guildhall Square.

From BBC

Made from a blend of sheep and goat's milk, this ancient delicacy likely resembled chevre in its consistency when fresh.

From Salon

This style of eating also allows us to enjoy eating out with friends, and sample local delicacies when travelling.

From Salon

Others are settling for the South Bay’s scenic ocean-side views, soaking up the endless sunshine and indulging in some local delicacies.

From Los Angeles Times

According to the indictment, the duck delicacy was gifted to Ms Sun - and sent directly to her parents' home - on at least 16 different occasions.

From BBC

Related Words

• elegance
• fragility
• lightness
• subtlety
• tenderness