Adjective

(en-adj)

Urgent.

Sensitive.

Short, quick, brief.

* {{quote-magazine, year=2013, month=July-August, author= Philip J. Bushnell

, title= Solvents, Ethanol, Car Crashes & Tolerance, magazine=(American Scientist) , passage=Surprisingly, this analysis revealed that acute exposure to solvent vapors at concentrations below those associated with long-term effects appears to increase the risk of a fatal automobile accident. Furthermore, this increase in risk is comparable to the risk of death from leukemia after long-term exposure to benzene, another solvent, which has the well-known property of causing this type of cancer.}}

(geometry) Of an angle, less than 90 degrees.

(geometry) Of a triangle, having all three interior angles measuring less than 90 degrees.

(botany, of leaves) With the sides meeting directly to form a pointed acute angle at the apex, base, or both.

(medicine) Of an abnormal condition of recent or sudden onset, in contrast to delayed onset; this sense does not imply severity (unlike the common usage).

(medicine) Of a short-lived condition, in contrast to a chronic condition; this sense also does not imply severity.

* {{quote-magazine, year=2013, month=May-June, author= Katie L. Burke

, title= In the News , volume=101, issue=3, page=193, magazine=(American Scientist) , passage=Bats host many high-profile viruses that can infect humans, including severe acute respiratory syndrome and Ebola. A recent study explored the ecological variables that may contribute to bats’ propensity to harbor such zoonotic diseases by comparing them with another order of common reservoir hosts: rodents.}}

(orthography, after a letter) Having an acute accent.

High or shrill.

an acute tone or accent

Adjective

(en adjective)

Being filled with, or in a state of despair; hopeless.

* (William Shakespeare)

Since his exile she hath despised me most, / Forsworn my company and rail'd at me, / That I am desperate of obtaining her.

* , chapter=16

, title= The Mirror and the Lamp , passage=“[…] She takes the whole thing with desperate seriousness. But the others are all easy and jovial—thinking about the good fare that is soon to be eaten, about the hired fly, about anything.”}}

Without regard to danger or safety; reckless; furious.

* Macaulay

desperate expedients

Beyond hope; causing despair; extremely perilous; irretrievable.

Extreme, in a bad sense; outrageous.

* (William Shakespeare)

a desperate offendress against nature

* Macaulay

the most desperate of reprobates

Extremely intense.