cusp

[kuhsp]

noun

1. a point that marks the beginning of a change.

   Our nation is on the cusp of a new era.

   Some of our machines are now getting very old and are on the cusp of being replaced.

2. a point or pointed end.

   The sharp cusp of the mountain pierced through the thick clouds.

3. Anatomy, Zoology, Botany.,  a point, projection, or elevation, as on the crown of a tooth.

4. Also called spinode. Geometry.,  a point where two branches of a curve meet, end, and are tangent.

5. Architecture.,  a decorative device consisting of a pair of curves that are tangent to a real or imaginary line defining the area being decorated, and meet at a point within that area: used especially in Gothic architecture to vary the outlines of intrados or to form architectural foils.

6. Astronomy.,  a point of a crescent, especially of the moon.

7. Astrology.

   1. the zodiacal degree that marks the separation between consecutive houses or signs.

      Those born on the Cancer/Leo cusp have the vitality and ambition to be successful in their creative endeavors.

   2. Informal.,  a person born during a time when the sun is at the very end of one sign or at the very beginning of another.

      Virgos and Virgo cusps tend to be shy and somewhat nervous, and they may be undemonstrative.

      I'm an Aries/Pisces cusp with Capricorn rising.

cusp

/ kʌsp /

noun

1. any of the small elevations on the grinding or chewing surface of a tooth

2. any of the triangular flaps of a heart valve

3. a point or pointed end

4. Also called: spinode. geometry a point at which two arcs of a curve intersect and at which the two tangents are coincident

5. architect a carving at the meeting place of two arcs

6. astronomy either of the points of a crescent moon or of a satellite or inferior planet in a similar phase

7. astrology any division between houses or signs of the zodiac

Other Word Forms

• cuspal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cusp¹

First recorded in 1575–85, from Latin cuspis “a point”

Word History and Origins

Origin of cusp¹

C16: from Latin cuspis point, pointed end

Example Sentences

The Toronto Blue Jays systematically dismantled the Yankees in the best-of-five division series, culminating with a 5-2 win that propelled them to the cusp of the World Series for the first time since 1993.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Looking relaxed and happy, she has climbed back to the cusp of the world's top 30 and played some of her best tennis since that memorable fortnight in New York four years ago.

Read more on BBC

A decade on she says: "I think we're on the cusp of seeing heroin chic return."

Read more on BBC

Horror Unleashed is opening just on the cusp of when theme parks and immersive-focused live experiences are entering one of the busiest times of the year: Halloween.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The magnitude of what the Lionesses were on the cusp of achieving was clear before kick-off as cameras turned to point to the faces in the top-tier stands.

Read more on BBC

When To Use

What is a cusp?

Most often, cusp is used figuratively to mean a turning point or a point that marks a new beginning, as in Jorge was on the cusp of a scientific breakthrough when his grant money ran out.Literally, a cusp is a point or pointed end, as with the peak of a mountain.Cusp also has several specialized uses, too. In anatomy and related fields, a cusp is the tip, as on a tooth. Your dentist might refer to your cuspid and bicuspid teeth. These are teeth with one point and two points, respectively.In architecture, a cusp is the apex of two curves that come to a point, found especially in Gothic arches.And in astronomy, a cusp is the point of a crescent, such as with the moon.Example: We are on the cusp of a great discovery.