acute: meaning and definitions

Having a sharp point or tip.

Keenly perceptive or discerning: "a raw, chilling and psychologically acute novel of human passions reduced to their deadliest essence” ( Literary Guild Magazine). See Synonyms at sharp.

Reacting readily to stimuli or impressions; sensitive: His hearing was unusually acute.

Of great importance or consequence; crucial: an acute lack of research funds.

Extremely sharp or severe; intense: acute pain; acute relief.

Medicine Having a rapid onset and following a short but severe course: acute disease.

Medicine Afflicted by a disease exhibiting a rapid onset followed by a short, severe course: acute patients.

Music High in pitch; shrill.

Geometry Having an acute angle: an acute triangle.