Definition: A condition that comes on rapidly or a condition that is severe. It can also refer to a health problem that is serious but short-lived. This is opposed to a chronic illness, which is ongoing.
Pronunciation: ă-kyūt′
Acute
By Amber J. Tresca, About.com
Updated April 18, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
Suggested Reading
From Other Guides
Explore Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Must Reads
About.com Special Features
Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >
Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >
Also from About.com:
©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.
All rights reserved.