exquisite

Pronunciation key ( eks′kwi-zit ) ( ik-skwiz′it )

ex•qui•site

adj.

[orig. carefully sought out, choice; L. exquisitus pp. of exquizere to search out < ex- out + quarere to ask].

1. Carefully sought out or elaborately crafted such as exquisitely designed.
2. Very beautiful or lovely; especially in a fragile or delicate quality such as exquisite lace.
3. Admirable; Of the highest quality.
4. Extremely sensitive; fastidious; keenly discriminated; such as an exquisite eye for fine art.
5. Intense; keen; such as exquisite pain.

n.

1. One who makes great effort to render themself as being very refined, sensitive and fastidious in their taste.

Syn. delicate.

References and Further Reading

Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955