acute
Cross references:
1. sharp
acute \*-'kyu:t\ aj [L acutus, pp. of acuere to sharpen, fr. acus needle;
akin to] L acer sharp - more at EDGE 1: ending in a sharp point : as 1a:
measuring less than 90 degrees {~ angle} 1b: composed of acute angles 2a:
marked by keen discernment or intellectual perception esp. of subtle d
istinctions : PENETRATING 2b: responsive to slight impressions or stimuli
{~ observer} 3: of a kind (as in intensity) to act keenly on the senses;
esp : characterized by sharpness or severity {~ pain} 4: having a sudden
onset, sharp rise, and short course {~ disease)> 5: seriously demanding
urgent attention : CRITICAL of an accent mark 6a: having the form <accent
acute> 6b: marked with an acute accent 6c: of the variety indicated by an
acute accent as to outcome. ACUTE stresses intensification of need, or
symptoms, or conflicting emotions to a culmination or breaking point;
CRITICAL adds to ACUTE implications of imminent change, of attendant
suspense, and of decisiveness in the outcome; CRUCIAL suggests a dividing
of the ways and often a test or trial involving the determination of a
future course or direction - acute.ly av SYN syn ACUTE, CRITICAL, CRUCIAL
mean full of uncertainty