Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Acute
A-cute′
,Adj.
1.
Sharp at the end; ending in a sharp point; pointed; – opposed to
blunt
or obtuse
; as, an
acute
angle; an acute
leaf.2.
Having nice discernment; perceiving or using minute distinctions; penetrating; clever; shrewd; – opposed to
dull
or stupid
; as, an
acute
observer; acute
remarks, or reasoning.3.
Having nice or quick sensibility; susceptible to slight impressions; acting keenly on the senses; sharp; keen; intense;
as, a man of
acute
eyesight, hearing, or feeling; acute
pain or pleasure.4.
High, or shrill, in respect to some other sound; – opposed to
grave
or low
; as, an
. acute
tone or accent5.
(Med.)
Attended with symptoms of some degree of severity, and coming speedily to a crisis; – opposed to
chronic
; as, an
. acute
diseaseAS
Acute angle
(Geom.)
, an angle less than a right angle.
Syn. – Subtile; ingenious; sharp; keen; penetrating; sagacious; sharp-witted; shrewd; discerning; discriminating. See
Subtile
. A-cute′
,Verb.
T.
To give an acute sound to;
as, he
. acutes
his rising inflection too much[R.]
Walker.
Webster 1828 Edition
Acute
ACU'TE
,Adj.
1.
Sharp at the end; ending in a sharp point; opposed to blunt or obtuse. An acute angle in geometry, is one which is less than a right angle, or which subtends less than ninety degrees. An acute angled triangle is one whose three angles are all acute, or less than ninety degrees each.2.
Figuratively, applied to mental powers; penetrating; having nice discernment; perceiving or using minute distinctions; opposed to dull or stupid; as an acute reasoner.3.
Applied to the senses; having nice or quick sensibility; susceptible of slight impressions; having power to feel or perceive small objects; as, a man of acute eyesight, hearing, or feeling.4.
An acute disease, is one which is attended with violent symptoms, and comes speedily to a crisis, as a pleurisy; opposed to chronic.5.
An acute disease, is one which is attended with violent symptoms, and comes speedily to a crisis, as a pleurisy; opposed to chronic.6.
In music, acute is applied to a tone which is sharp, or high; opposed to grave.7.
In botany, ending in an acute angle, as a leaf or perianth.