Search results for 'acute':

acute adj (acuter, acutest) 1 said of the senses: keen, good or sharp; penetrating. 2 said of mental powers, etc: quick and very good. 3 said of a disease or symptoms: arising suddenly and often severe, but of short duration • acute bronchitis • acute pain. Compare chronic. 4 said of any bad condition or situation: extremely severe • acute drought. 5 said of hospital accommodation: intended for patients with acute illnesses. 6 said of a sound: high, sharp and shrill. 7 math said of an angle: less than 90°. Compare reflex adj 5, obtuse 3. noun (also acute accent) a sign placed above a vowel in some languages, either to indicate a particular pronunciation of the vowel, as with é in French, or, as in Spanish, to indicate that the vowel is to be stressed. acutely adverb. acuteness noun.
ETYMOLOGY: 16c: from Latin acuere to sharpen.