Word Origin and History for astute Expand adj. 1610s, from Latin astutus crafty, wary, shrewd; sagacious, expert, from astus cunning, cleverness, adroitness, of uncertain origin, perhaps from Greek asty town, a word borrowed into Latin and with an overtone of city sophistication (cf. asteism). Related: Astutely; astuteness.
Noun. 1. tabula rasa-a young mind not yet affected by experience (according to John Locke). mind, psyche, nous, brain, head-that which is responsible for one's thoughts and feelings; the seat of the faculty of reason; his mind wandered; I couldn't get his words out of my head.
1 Ras-e Jonubi, a village in Khuzestan Province, Iran. 2  Ras-e Sharqi, a village in Khuzestan Province, Iran. â Rasâ is the Arabic for a âhead,â hence a cape, promontory or headland; and a common word in Arabic place names (e.g. Al Ras)