acute

[ uh-kyoot ]
/ əˈkyut /

adjective

noun

the acute accent.

Origin of acute

1560–70; < Latin acūtus sharpened, past participle of acuere ( acū-, v. stem, akin to acus needle, ācer sharp + -tus past participle suffix)

ANTONYMS FOR acute

1, 4, 5 dull.

synonym study for acute

4. Acute, penetrating, shrewd imply a keenness of understanding, perception, or insight. Acute suggests particularly a clearness of perception and a realization of related meanings: an acute intellect. Penetrating adds the idea of depth of perception and a realization of implications: a wise and penetrating judgment. Shrewd adds the idea of knowing how to apply practically (or to one's own advantage) what one perceives and understands: wary and shrewd.

OTHER WORDS FROM acute

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH acute

acute chronic

Example sentences from the Web for superacute

  • He lifted his head suddenly, thinking, in his superacute state of mind, that he had heard a noise.

    The Plunderer |Roy Norton

British Dictionary definitions for superacute

acute
/ (əˈkjuːt) /

adjective

noun

an acute accent

Derived forms of acute

acutely, adverb acuteness, noun

Word Origin for acute

C14: from Latin acūtus, past participle of acuere to sharpen, from acus needle

Medical definitions for superacute (1 of 2)

superacute
[ sōō′pər-ə-kyōōt ]

adj.

Marked by great severity of symptoms and rapid progress; extremely acute. Used of the course of a disease.

Medical definitions for superacute (2 of 2)

acute
[ ə-kyōōt ]

adj.

Pointed at the end; sharp.
Of or relating to a disease or a condition with a rapid onset and a short, severe course.
Of or relating to a patient afflicted with such a disease.

Scientific definitions for superacute

acute
[ ə-kyōōt ]

Reacting readily to stimuli or impressions, as hearing or eyesight; sensitive.
Relating to an illness that has a rapid onset and follows a short but severe course. Compare chronic.
Having an acute angle.