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acute

adjective

/əˈkjuːt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of acute

Sharp, intense, or severe in its nature, often referring to a sudden onset or a high degree of intensity.
"The patient was suffering from acute pain in her abdomen."

Detailed meaning of acute

It can be applied to various contexts, such as physical sensations, conditions, or illnesses, where an acute pain, for instance, indicates a sharp and intense discomfort. In a broader sense, "acute" can also describe mental states or qualities, such as acute intelligence, which suggests a keen and sharp intellect capable of quickly grasping complex concepts. Additionally, "acute" is used in geometry to describe angles that are less than 90 degrees, emphasizing their sharpness. Overall, "acute" conveys the idea of something sharp, intense, and precise, often implying a heightened or extreme quality.

Example sentences containing acute

1. The patient was admitted to the hospital with acute abdominal pain.
2. The detective had an acute sense of observation, noticing even the smallest details.
3. The hiker experienced acute fatigue after trekking for hours in the intense heat.
4. The student had an acute understanding of complex mathematical concepts.
5. The team faced an acute time constraint, requiring them to work quickly and efficiently.
6. The singer's acute hearing enabled her to hit the high notes with precision.

History and etymology of acute

The adjective 'acute' has its etymological origins in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'acutus,' which means 'sharp' or 'pointed.' This Latin term is related to the verb 'acuere,' which means 'to sharpen.' Over time, 'acutus' made its way into Old French as 'aigu,' retaining its sense of sharpness. In English, 'acute' was adopted to describe qualities that are sharp, intense, or severe in nature, often referring to a sudden onset or a high degree of intensity. Thus, the etymology of 'acute' reflects its historical association with pointed or sharp characteristics, which have been extended to describe various intense and heightened qualities in modern usage.

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Further usage examples of acute

1. The economist provided an acute analysis of the current market trends.
2. The child had an acute sense of curiosity, always asking thought-provoking questions.
3. The athlete suffered from an acute injury that required immediate medical attention.
4. The professor's acute memory allowed him to recall historical dates with accuracy.
5. The storm brought an acute sense of danger, with strong winds and torrential rain.
6. The patient showed acute symptoms of the flu, including a high fever and severe body aches.
7. The artist had an acute eye for detail, creating intricate and lifelike paintings.
8. The journalist had an acute sense of timing, always publishing articles at the most opportune moments.
9. The team faced an acute challenge, requiring innovative solutions and quick decision-making.
10. The researcher's acute observation skills helped uncover patterns in the data.
11. The acute pain in her back made it difficult for her to sit or stand for long periods.
12. The detective's acute intuition led her to the correct suspect in the murder case.
13. The pilot had an acute sense of direction, navigating through dense fog without difficulty.
14. The investor had an acute awareness of market fluctuations, making shrewd investment decisions.