delicate
/ˈdelɪkət; `dɛləkət/ adj
1 soft or tender when touched; made of sth fine or thin 柔软的; 柔和的; 娇嫩的
as delicate as silk 柔软如丝绸
a baby's delicate skin 婴儿娇嫩的皮肤.
2 very carefully made or formed; fine; exquisite 精致的; 优美的; 精巧的
a delicate mechanism, structure, etc 精巧的机械装置、 结构等
the delicate beauty of a snowflake 雪花的精美.
3
(a) easily injured or damaged; fragile 容易受伤或受损的; 易碎的; 脆弱的
delicate china 易碎的瓷器
a delicate plant 娇弱的植物.
(b) becoming ill easily; not strong 容易生病的; 不强壮的
a delicate child, constitution 瘦弱的孩子、 身躯
She has been in delicate health for some time. 她身体欠佳已有些时日了.
4
(a) showing or needing much skill or careful treatment 精致的; 需技巧的; 精心处理的
the delicate craftsmanship of a fine watch 制造好表的精湛技艺
a delicate surgical operation, eg on sb's eyes 精细的外科手术（如眼科手术）
her delicate playing of the sonata 她演奏奏鸣曲的 熟技巧.
(b) showing or needing tact and good judgement in human relations; sensitive （在人际关系中）有技巧的, 得当的, 得体的, 微妙的
I admired your delicate handling of the situation. 我很钦佩你这样巧妙地处理了这种局面.
We're conducting very delicate negotiations. 我们正在进行十分审慎的谈判.
5 (of the senses or of instruments) able to detect or show very small changes or differences; sensitive （指感官、 仪器）精密的, 灵敏的
a delicate sense of smell/touch 灵敏的嗅觉[触觉]
Only a very delicate thermometer can measure such tiny changes in temperature. 只有非常灵敏的温度计才能测出这样微小的温度变化.
6
(a) (of colours) not intense; soft （指颜色）柔和的, 淡的, 浅的
a delicate shade of pink 淡粉红色.
(b) (of food or its taste) pleasing and not strongly flavoured （指食物或味道）美味的, 清淡可口的
the gentle, delicate flavour of salmon 鲑鱼清淡可口的味道
Veal is too delicate for a spicy sauce. 小牛肉清淡可口不宜多加调料.
(c) (of smell) pleasing and not strong （指气味）柔和的, 淡的
a delicate perfume, fragrance, aroma, etc 淡雅的香水、 芳香、 香气等. > delicately adv
delicately carved statues 雕刻精致的塑像
a delicately phrased compliment 措词高雅的赞词.