gracile
UK: ˈɡrasʌɪl | US: ˈɡræsəl
adj. slender or thin, especially in a graceful or delicate way
adj. (biology) lightly or delicately built
The word gracile traces back to Latin gracilis, which originally described physical slenderness but carried connotations of gracefulness. Over time, it evolved to emphasize both delicacy and aesthetic appeal. In biology, it specifically denotes lightly built structures. The suffix -ile reinforces its adjectival form, linking it to qualities like agility or refinement.
The dancer’s gracile movements captivated the audience.
The bird’s gracile legs allowed it to perch effortlessly on thin branches.
Fossils reveal a gracile bone structure in certain prehistoric species.
Her gracile handwriting flowed across the page like a delicate sketch.
The sculptor emphasized the figure’s gracile proportions to evoke elegance.