Subtile

Origin

From Latin subtilis ("fine, thin, slender, delicate"), perhaps, from sub ("under") + tela ("a web, fabric"); see tela, toil.

Full definition of subtile

Adjective

1. (obsolete) subtle
• 1819, Francis Bacon, The Works of Francis Bacon, volume 2, page 2:And sometimes this perception, in some kind of bodies, is far more subtile than the sense; so that the sense is but a dull thing in comparison of it: we see a weather-glass will find the least difference of the weather, in heat, or cold, when men find it not.

Derived terms

• subtile body