Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

acutance

noun
Save Word
acut·​ance | \ ə-ˈkyü-tᵊn(t)s \
plural -s

Definition of acutance

: a measure of the steepness or abruptness of an edge in a photographic image

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

First Known Use of acutance

1952, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for acutance

acute entry 1 + -ance

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about acutance

Time Traveler for acutance

Time Traveler

The first known use of acutance was in 1952

See more words from the same year

Statistics for acutance

Cite this Entry

“Acutance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acutance. Accessed 13 Apr. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

Comments on acutance

What made you want to look up acutance? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

minatory

Listen to the pronunciation of minatory

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

The Exceptions Quiz III

  • one green toy robot amidst many red toy robots
  • Which of these words does not mean "nonsense"?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games