adj 1  :  sensing or perceiving accurately, clearly, effectively, or sensitively < vision>   2 a  :  characterized by sharpness or severity < pain>  <an infection>   b (1) :  having a sudden onset, sharp rise, and short course <an disease>  <an inflammation>  - compare CHRONIC2   (2) :  ACUTE CARE <an hospital>   c  :  lasting a short time < experiments>  acute*ly adv acute*ness n 
 
 
 
Similar sounding terms:  act  Ac·taea  acu·ity  acuta 
 
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