cusp

cusp

noun \ˈkəsp\

Definition of CUSP

: point, apex: as

a : a point of transition (as from one historical period to the next) : turning point; also : edge, verge <on the cusp of stardom>

b : either horn of a crescent moon

c : a fixed point on a mathematical curve at which a point tracing the curve would exactly reverse its direction of motion

d : an ornamental pointed projection formed by or arising from the intersection of two arcs or foils

e (1) : a point on the grinding surface of a tooth (2) : a fold or flap of a cardiac valve

— cus·pate \ˈkəs-ˌpāt, -pət\ adjective

— cusped \ˈkəspt\ adjective

Examples of CUSP

1. the cusp of a tooth
2. <medical researchers who are on the cusp of a major breakthrough>

Illustration of CUSP

Origin of CUSP

Latin cuspis point

First Known Use: 1585

Related to CUSP

Synonyms

brink, point, edge, threshold, verge

Related Words

nick

cusp

noun \ˈkəsp\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of CUSP

1

: a point on the grinding surface of a tooth

2

: a fold or flap of a cardiac valve

—cus·pal \ˈkəs-pəl\ (audio pronunciation) adjective

cusp

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

In architecture, the intersection of lobed or scalloped forms, particularly in arches (cusped arches) and tracery. Thus the three lobes of a trefoil (cloverleaf form) are separated by three cusps. Cusped forms appear in early Islamic work and were especially common in the Moorish architecture of North Africa and Spain. The form was adopted wholeheartedly by European Gothic architecture.