Definition of: acute

(ə·kyt′) adjective
1. Keenly discerning or sensitive: an acute thinker.
2. Keenly discerning or sensitive: acute hearing.
3. Affecting keenly; poignant; intense.
4. Of rapid onset and short duration; an acute illness.
5. Music Shrill; high.
6. Threatening; critical; an acute shortage of water. [<L acutus, pp. of acuere sharpen]
—a·cute′ly adverb
—a·cute′ness noun Synonyms: astute, cunning, discerning, intelligent, keen, penetrating, perspicacious, piercing, pointed, sagacious, sharp, shrewd, subtile, subtle. See ASTUTE, SAGACIOUS. Antonyms: blunt, chronic, dull, grave, obtuse, stolid, stupid.