1. Having a sharp point or tip.
2. Keenly perceptive or discerning; penetrating: "a raw, chilling and psychologically acute novel of human passions reduced to their deadliest essence" (Literary Guild Magazine). See synonyms at sharp.
3. Reacting readily to impressions; sensitive: acute observers of the human comedy.
4. Of great importance or consequence; crucial: an acute lack of research funds.
5. Extremely sharp or severe; intense: acute pain; acute relief.
6. Medicine. a. Having a rapid onset and following a short but severe course: acute disease. b. Afflicted by a disease exhibiting a rapid onset followed by a short, severe course: acute patients.
7. Music. High in pitch; shrill.
8. Geometry. Designating angles less than 90.