Definition: Acute (noun) 1. [In medicine] meaning "shortening, or narrowing" as compared to normal size; also meant literally means "quickened"; "a quick fit." 2. [in linguistics] a term used in the context of language development for something that is short and abrupt. 3. [In mathematics] an abbreviation for acute angle, an angle smaller than $90^\circ$. The word "acute" is related to anatomy, where it refers to an organ that has sharp or thin walls and lacks valves and pores. The term is used in medical terms to describe a condition where the organs are short compared to normal size; also means literally means "quickened." For example, acute kidney failure occurs when the kidneys become short of function. In linguistics, it is often used as a slang term for something that is short or abrupt; "a quick fit" is also used in language development and refers to an organ that has sharp or thin walls.

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