acute
acute
/əˈkjuːt/ adj , acut·er, -est [or more ~; most ~]
1 : very serious or dangerous : requiring serious attention or action
an acute [=critical, severe] fuel shortage
an acute crisis
the acute phase [=the most important and dangerous phase] of the struggle for independence
2 usually used before a noun : having or showing an ability to think clearly and to understand what is not obvious or simple about something
an acute observation/understanding
an acute observer
an acute sense of humor
It's a politically acute film that does not oversimplify the issues.
3 : very strong and sensitive : highly developed
acute [=keen] hearing/vision
acute awareness
4 : strongly felt or experienced
acute distress/embarrassment
5 medical
5 a : very sharp and severe
acute pain/infection
acute symptoms
5 b : becoming very severe very quickly
an acute disease
◇ A hospital or doctor who specializes in acute care works with patients who have diseases or problems that require immediate care.
an acute care hospital
— compare chronic
6 mathematics : ending in a sharp point : measuring less than 90 degrees
an acute angle
— compare obtuse
7 of an accent mark : having the form ´
The word “café” is written with an acute accent over the “e.”
— compare grave 3, 2
acute·ly adv
I am acutely aware of these problems.
The patient was acutely ill.
acute·ness noun [ noncount ]
the acuteness of the fuel shortage
