Origin: 1540–50; earlier perspicacite < Late Latinperspicācitās sharpness of sight, equivalent to perspicāci- (stem of perspicāx sharp-sighted; see perspicuous) + -tās-ty2
Synonyms 1. shrewdness, acuity, astuteness, insight, acumen. See perspicuity.
1540s, from M.Fr. perspicacité (15c.), from L.L. perspicacitas "sharp-sightedness, discernment," from L. perspicax "sharp-sighted," from perspicere "look through" (see perspective).