ACUTE - Definition & Meaning for Kids

Meaning 1

Part of speech: Adjective

having or experiencing a rapid onset and short but severe course

Example: acute appendicitis; the acute phase of the illness; acute patients

Meaning 2

Part of speech: Adjective

extremely sharp or intense

Example: acute pain; felt acute annoyance; intense itching and burning

Meaning 3

Part of speech: Adjective

having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions

Example: an acute observer of politics and politicians; incisive comments; icy knifelike reasoning; as sharp and incisive as the stroke of a fang; penetrating insight; frequent penetrative observations

Meaning 4

Part of speech: Adjective

of an angle; less than 90 degrees

Meaning 5

Part of speech: Adjective

of critical importance and consequence

Example: an acute (or critical) lack of research funds