nicety

 
Pronunciation: /ˈnʌɪsɪti/

noun (plural niceties)

  • a fine or subtle detail or distinction: legal niceties are wasted on him
  • [mass noun] accuracy or precision: she prided herself on her nicety of pronunciation
  • a detail or aspect of polite social behaviour: we were brought up to observe the niceties

Phrases

to a nicety

precisely: the air raid was timed to a nicety

Origin:

Middle English (in the sense 'foolish conduct'): from Old French nicete, based on Latin nescius 'ignorant' (see nice)