Definition of fastidious

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fastigiate >

fas·tid·i·ous    (f-std-s, f-) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Possessing or displaying careful, meticulous attention to detail.
2. Difficult to please; exacting.
3. Excessively scrupulous or sensitive, especially in matters of taste or propriety. See Synonyms at meticulous.
4. Microbiology Having complicated nutritional requirements.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, squeamish, particular, haughty, from Old French fastidieux, from Latin fastdisus, from fastdium, squeamishness, haughtiness, probably from fastus, disdain

OTHER FORMS:
fas·tidi·ous·ly(Adverb), fas·tidi·ous·ness(Noun)