For such a short and simple-looking word, acute has a rather bewildering range of meanings. It first entered the English language with a medical sense, referring to the sharpness or severity …

acute adjective (ACCURATE/CLEVER) used to describe intelligence, senses, etc. that are very good, accurate, and able to notice very small differences: acute eyesight / hearing an acute …

Use the adjective acute for when you want to describe something as sharp or extremely serious.

Acute, penetrating, shrewd imply a keenness of understanding, perception, or insight. Acute suggests particularly a clearness of perception and a realization of related meanings: an acute …

1. sharp or severe in effect; intense: acute pain. 2. extremely great or serious: an acute shortage of oil. 3. (of disease) brief and severe (disting. from chronic). 4. penetrating in intellect, insight, …

Jan 14, 2010 · Acute is the medical term to describe the nature of a disease, sign, symptom or condition. It refers to an illness that is of a sudden onset or of a short duration.

acute is a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: Latin acūtus, acuere.

Jun 11, 2025 · acute (comparative acuter or more acute, superlative acutest or most acute) Brief, quick, short. Synonyms: fast, rapid Antonyms: leisurely, slow It was an acute event.

May 16, 2025 · “Accute” is a common misspelling and does not exist in English dictionaries. Acute can describe something that is severe and sudden in effect, like an acute illness, or very …

A hospital or doctor who specializes in acute care works with patients who have diseases or problems that require immediate care.