ACUTE

adj. 1 sharp, pointed, narrow The two roads meet at an acute angle 2 severe, intense, critical, crucial, dangerous, grave, serious, severe This is the ward for patients with acute illnesses 3 sharp, cutting, intense, severe, violent, penetrating, exquisite, excruciating, fierce, shooting, stabbing, piercing, sudden The onset of the disease is marked by acute pains in the abdomen 4 keen, sharp, sensitive The bloodhound is known for its acute sense of smell 5 keen, sharp-witted, shrewd, clever, ingenious, astute, sharp, canny, incisive, discerning, perceptive, perspicacious, intelligent, penetrating, insightful, percipient, wise, sensitive, discriminating; alert, aware, on the qui vive Such a circumstance could not be lost upon so acute an observer