subtil

Adjective

subtle (comparative subtler or more subtle, superlative subtlest or most subtle)

1. Of an action or movement: very delicate or slight, and thus barely noticeable; not obvious; inconspicuous, unintrusive.
   • The mighty Magnet from the Center darts / This ſtrong, tho' ſubtile Force, thro' all the Parts: / Its active Rays ejaculated thence, / Irradiate all the wide Circumference.1712, Richard Blackmore, Creation: A Philosophical Poem. Demonstrating the Existence and Providence of a God. In Seven Books, book I, London: Printed for S. Buckley, at the Dolphin in Little-Britain...
2. (archaic) Having a delicate or fine substance or texture; hence, exquisite, refined.
3. (archaic) Slender, thin.
4. (archaic) Of a substance: finely powdered; also, of particles of a substance: very fine or small.
5. (archaic) Of weight: after the tare (“weight of an empty container”) has been subtracted; net.

   Antonyms:

   gross

6. (historical) Of a substance, especially a gas or liquid: of low density or thin consistency; rarefied, tenuous; hence, tending to spread everywhere due to this quality.

See all 20 meanings of subtle