tender1

adjective (tenderer, tenderest)

• 1showing gentleness, kindness, and affection:he was being so kind and tender she covered his face with tender kisses
• (tender of) archaic solicitous of:be tender of a lady’s reputation

• 2(of a part of the body) sensitive to pain:the pale, tender skin of her forearm
• (of a plant) easily injured by severe weather and therefore needing protection: pelargoniums are colourful but tender plants
• requiring tact or careful handling:the issue of conscription was a particularly tender one

• 3(of food) easy to cut or chew; not tough:tender green beans

• 4young, inexperienced, or vulnerable:he started sailing at the tender age of ten

• 5 Nautical (of a ship) leaning or readily inclined to roll in response to the wind.