subacute

adjective

sub·​acute ˌsəb-ə-ˈkyüt How to pronounce subacute (audio)
1
: having a tapered but not sharply pointed form
subacute leaves
2
a
: falling between acute and chronic in character especially when closer to acute
subacute endocarditis
b
: less marked in severity or duration than a corresponding acute state
subacute pain
subacutely adverb

Examples of subacute in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web An acute cough lasts no longer than three weeks, while a subacute cough lasts from three to eight weeks.2 Acute coughs also tend to be less serious, clear up on their own, and do not require a visit to a healthcare provider. Claire Gillespie, Health, 17 Mar. 2024 In 2022, the CDC published clinical practice guidelines for healthcare providers that treat acute, subacute and chronic pain. Omer Awan, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024 Now home to more than 300 residents receiving subacute skilled care, long-term custodial care and Alzheimer’s special care, the facility has gone through major expansions in 1964, 1979, and 1991. Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2023 My anecdotal experience tends to line up with research on acupuncture’s efficacy: There’s moderate evidence to suggest acupuncture provides relief of chronic and subacute low-back pain when compared with a placebo, according to a recent meta-analysis. Amy Wilkinson, Women's Health, 12 July 2023 The guidelines affect acute, subacute, and chronic pain, but do not apply to pain from certain conditions like sickle cell disease or cancer. Korin Miller, Health, 26 Feb. 2023 Less costly long-term facilities, called subacute care or institutions for the mentally disabled (IMDs), are chronically backed up. Doug Smithsenior Writer, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2022 Evans, who works in a subacute unit for long-term care patients on ventilators, said there have been times when her unit hasn’t had enough towels, wipes and diapers for patients. Jessica Flores, San Francisco Chronicle, 22 June 2022 Doctors often categorize medical conditions as acute, subacute, or chronic. Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker, 23 May 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'subacute.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1752, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of subacute was in 1752

Cite this Entry

“Subacute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subacute. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

subacute

adjective
sub·​acute ˌsəb-ə-ˈkyüt How to pronounce subacute (audio)
1
: falling between acute and chronic in character especially when closer to acute
subacute endocarditis
2
: less marked in severity or duration than a corresponding acute state
subacute pain
subacutely adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on subacute

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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