3 days ago · For such a short and simple-looking word, acute has a rather bewildering range of meanings. It first entered the English language with a medical sense, referring to the sharpness or …

In medicine, “acute” means sudden and short-lived — not severe. Learn how it differs from chronic conditions and why the distinction matters for your care.

ACUTE definition: sharp or severe in effect; intense. See examples of acute used in a sentence.

acute adjective (EXTREME) If a bad situation is acute, it causes severe problems or damage:

In medicine, describing a disease as acute denotes that it is of recent onset; it occasionally denotes a short duration.

Apr 2, 2026 · The simple definition of ACUTE is very serious or dangerous : requiring serious attention or action.

1. sharp or severe in effect; intense: acute pain. 2. extremely great or serious: an acute shortage of oil. 3. (of disease) brief and severe (disting. from chronic). 4. penetrating in intellect, insight, or …

Mar 11, 2026 · In medical terminology, acute describes a condition that comes on suddenly and typically lasts a short time. It’s one of the most common words you’ll encounter on medical charts, diagnosis …

An acute illness is one that becomes severe very quickly but does not last very long. Compare chronic.

Acute (medicine), a disease that it is of short duration and of recent onset. Acute toxicity, the adverse effects of a substance from a single exposure or in a short period of time