acuter; acutest
1
: very serious or dangerous : requiring serious attention or action
an acute [=critical, severe] fuel shortage
an acute crisis
the acute phase [=the most important and dangerous phase] of the struggle for independence
2
usually used before a noun
: having or showing an ability to think clearly and to understand what is not obvious or simple about something
an acute observation/understanding
an acute observer
an acute sense of humor
It's a politically acute film that does not oversimplify the issues.
3
: very strong and sensitive : highly developed
acute [=keen] hearing/vision
acute awareness
4
: strongly felt or experienced
acute distress/embarrassment
5
medical
a
: very sharp and severe
acute pain/infection
acute symptoms
b
: becoming very severe very quickly
an acute disease
Note: A hospital or doctor who specializes in acute care works with patients who have diseases or problems that require immediate care.
6
mathematics
: ending in a sharp point : measuring less than 90 degrees
an acute angle
7
of an accent mark
: having the form ´
The word "café" is written with an acute accent over the "e."
Cite this Entry
“Acute.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/acute. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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