fine-spun
Gossamer-thin and elaborate
Fine-spun describes something delicately or intricately made, like thread spun very thin.
The word applies literally to textiles but more often figuratively to ideas, arguments, or theories that are elaborately subtle—sometimes too subtle for practical use: a fine-spun philosophical distinction, fine-spun reasoning that collapsed under scrutiny.
Filmy, delicate material
- etherealDelicate beyond earthly measure
- wispyThin and insubstantial
- gauzyThin and transparent
- diaphanousDelicately translucent
silken · airy · feathery · filmy · cobwebby · gossamer-thin · fragile · tender
Fine woven insect fiber
- chiffonDelicate transparent textile
- voileSheer, lightweight textile
- organdyThin, stiff cotton cloth
- batisteFine, sheer woven cloth
tulle · mousseline · georgette · gauze · muslin · lawn · lace · gossamer
Elaborately detailed, many parts
- complexHaving many interconnected parts
- subtleNot immediately obvious
- nuancedHaving fine distinctions
- sophisticatedWorldly and cultured
detailed · convoluted · labyrinthine · refined · overwrought · tortuous · byzantine · ornate
gossamer
Filmy, delicate material
diaphanous · silken · airy · feathery · filmy · cobwebby · gossamer-thin · fragile · tender · dainty
silk
Fine woven insect fiber
batiste · tulle · mousseline · georgette · gauze · muslin · lawn · lace · gossamer · veil
intricate
Elaborately detailed, many parts
sophisticated · detailed · convoluted · labyrinthine · refined · overwrought · tortuous · byzantine · ornate · complicated