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sharp or severe in effect
The doctor diagnosed an acute infection.
The infection was sudden and severe.
Often used in medical contexts to describe conditions that develop quickly and are severe.
having or showing a quick or accurate understanding
She has an acute sense of humor.
She quickly and accurately understands and appreciates humor.
Can also describe keen perception or insight.
In medicine, 'acute' refers to sudden and severe conditions, while in general use, it can describe sharpness or intensity in any context.
From Latin 'acutus', meaning 'sharp' or 'pointed'.
In medical contexts, 'acute' describes conditions that are severe and of short duration, as opposed to 'chronic' conditions that are long-lasting.