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)

(obsolete, of a weapon etc) Sharp-pointed; keen.

* 1590 , Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene , VII:

His siluer shield, now idle maisterlesse; / His poynant speare, that many made to bleed [...].

Incisive; penetrating.

His comments were poignant and witty.

neat; eloquent; applicable; relevant.

A poignant reply will garner more credence than hours of blown smoke.

Evoking strong mental sensation, to the point of distress; emotionally moving.

Flipping through his high school yearbook evoked many a poignant memory of yesteryear.

(figuratively, of a taste or smell) Piquant, pungent.

Piercing.

(dated, mostly British) Inducing sharp physical pain.