Describing a condition, symptom, or process that develops or becomes noticeable over a relatively short period of time.
“Acute” generally refers to the time course of a condition rather than how severe it is. An acute illness may develop suddenly or over days and may last a short time, although the exact duration varies by condition.
Acute does not necessarily mean severe. For example, acute bronchitis can be mild, while an acute myocardial infarction can be life-threatening.
QUICK FACT
Acute does not simply mean “severe” or “sudden.” It primarily describes how quickly a condition develops or its relatively short-term course.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
Chronic: Chronic describes a condition that persists or recurs over a prolonged period; acute describes a relatively short-term course.
SEE ALSO
