[or more acute; most acute] 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 ◊A hospital or doctor who specializes in acute care works with patients who have diseases or problems that require immediate care.
▪ an acute care hospital — compare chronic 6 mathematics : ending in a sharp point : measuring less than 90 degrees
▪ an acute angle — compare obtuse 7 of an accent mark : having the form ´
▪ The word “café” is written with an acute accent over the “e.” — compare ²grave 3