Main Entry:: fas·tid·i·ous
Pronunciation:: \fa-ˈsti-dē-əs, fə-\
Function:: adjective
Etymology:: Middle English, from Latin fastidiosus, from fastidium disgust, probably from fastus arrogance (probably akin to Latin fastigium top) + taedium irksomeness — more at tedium
Date:: 15th century

1archaic : scornful2 a: having high and often capricious standards : difficult to please <critics…so fastidious that they can talk only to a small circle of initiates — Granville Hicks> b: showing or demanding excessive delicacy or care c: reflecting a meticulous, sensitive, or demanding attitude <fastidious workmanship>3: having complex nutritional requirements <fastidious microorganisms>

— fas·tid·i·ous·ly adverb

— fas·tid·i·ous·ness noun

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