adjective
acute
Developing quickly and lasting a short time rather than being chronic.
The doctor distinguishes the acute illness from a long-term condition.
Etymology
Latin acutus meant sharp. Applied to illness, sharpness became a description of a rapid, pressing course; medical usage distinguishes an acute condition from one that persists chronically.
More examples
- She developed acute symptoms overnight.
- The report described an acute episode.
- The clinic treated the acute problem before considering ongoing care.
Forms
acute