Pastels are a type of art medium, usually in the form of sticks or crayons, that contain a powdered pigment mixed with a binder. They are known for their delicate and subtle hues, and are often used for creating soft, gentle, and muted colors in artwork.
Note: The provided meaning of the answer is for the latest New York Times crossword puzzle clue: Delicate hues. Explanations are generated by AI and may be inaccurate.