The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word SNOWFLAKE
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The straight part
We know that "Delicate thing" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case delicate thing = snowflake.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SNOWFLAKE mean?
SNOWFLAKE noun- A crystal of snow, having approximate hexagonal symmetry.
- Any of several bulbous European plants, of the genus Leucojum, having white flowers.
- The snow bunting, Plectrophenax nivalis.
- Someone who believes they are as unique and special as a snowflake.
- Someone hypersensitive to insult or offense, especially a young person with politically correct sensibilities.
- Someone (usually white) who was opposed to the abolition of slavery (Missouri, 1860s)
- A type of lesion that appears as scattered white-brown spots under high magnification light microscopy.
- Something that is unique in every presentation.
- (usually derogative) A Caucasian person.
- To fall in the manner of a snowflake.
- To arrange (data) into a snowflake schema.