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

(-)

Domineering, arrogant, or overbearing.

* 1866 – , translated by C. J. Hogarth

...she glanced about her in an imperious , challenging sort of way, with looks and gestures that clearly were unstudied.

Urgent.

* 1891 –

Circumstances of an imperious nature, which it is unnecessary to relate here, had prevented him from taking service with that gallant army which had fought the disastrous campaigns ending with the fall of Corinth.

(obsolete) Imperial or regal.

* 1895 –

She was quick, beautiful, imperious , while he was quiet, slow, and misty.