Acute

Pronunciation key ( ə-kūt′ )

a•cute

Acute Leaf Tip

adj.

[L. < acutus pp. of acuere, to sharpen; cf. ACUITY].

1. having a sharp point.
2. keen or of quick-mindedness; shrewd.
3. sensitive to impression.
4. sharp pain.
5. severe jealousy.
6. severe but of a brief duration; not chronic: said of some diseases.
7. crucial; critical.
8. high pitch; shrill.
9. in geometry, measuring below a 90° angle.

Syn. - acute suggests severe intensification of an event or condition that sharply approaches a climax (an acute shortage). Critical is applied during a turning point which will decisely dictate an outcome (a critical battle in the war). Crucial comes into contrast with critical where a trial determines a line of action versus a decisive turning point involved (a crucial debate on domestic policy). See SHARP.

Acute Leaf Tip

References and Further Reading

Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955

Firefly Encyclopedia of Trees, Edited by Steve Cafferty M.Sc. ©2005

Zoology Quest: Chart of Leaf Tips