1 easy to damage or break 易坏的;易碎的:
delicate skin细嫩的皮肤the delicate mechanisms of a watch手表的精密机械结构
2 frequently ill or hurt 体弱的;易生病的:
He was a delicate child and often in hospital.他是个体弱的孩子,常常要住医院。
3 (used about colours, flavours, etc) light and pleasant; not strong (指颜色、味道等)柔和的,怡人的,淡的:
a delicate shade of pale blue柔和的淡蓝色
4 needing skilful treatment and care 需要技巧和小心处理的:
Repairing this is going to be a very delicate operation.修理这个是一件极需要技巧的工作。 ➔delicatelyadvShe stepped delicately over the broken glass.她小心地跨过那些碎玻璃。
delicate/ˋdɛləkət; ˈdelIkət or ˈdelIkIt/adj 1 easily damaged or broken 易损坏的﹔易碎的: delicate china 易碎的瓷器2 small and attractive 精美的﹔纤细的﹔小巧玲珑的: delicate flowers 精美的花朵her delicate hands 她那纤细的双手3 needing to be dealt with very carefully so that you do not upset people 需要谨慎处理的﹔微妙的: This is a very delicate matter. 这是需要非常谨慎处理的事情。4 a delicate colour, taste, or smell is not very bright or strong〔颜色﹑味道或气味〕柔和的﹔清淡的﹔淡雅的: a delicate shade of pink 一抹柔和的粉红色5 old-fashioned often ill【过时】娇弱的﹔纤弱的: a delicate child 身体娇弱的孩子 —delicately adv
delicateadjective1If something is delicate, you can break or damage it very easily: I've got delicate skin, so I use special soap.2light and pleasant; not strong: delicate colours like pale pink and pale blueThe food had a delicate flavour.