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View synonyms for cusp

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 calledspinode 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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Words From

  • cusp·al adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of cusp1

First recorded in 1575–85, from Latin cuspis “a point”
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Word History and Origins

Origin of cusp1

C16: from Latin cuspis point, pointed end
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Example Sentences

It is understood that Supreme, which stocks and distributes Duracell and Energiser batteries as well as Elf Bar vapes, is on the cusp of buying the firm.

From BBC

Max Verstappen is in Las Vegas, talking about the approach that has brought him to the cusp of a fourth world title.

From BBC

Now, they’re on the cusp of owning the property themselves — with a promise to keep it affordable and never make a significant profit from it.

“We are now on the cusp of another pandemic and the agencies responsible for regulating farms and protecting public health are moving slower than the virus is spreading.”

The field is limited to the leading 50 players of the year, with Rory McIlroy on the cusp of clinching the season-long title for the third year running and sixth time overall.

From BBC

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More About Cusp

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.

Where does cusp come from?

The first records of the term cusp come from the 1570s. It comes from the Latin cuspis, meaning “a point.”

You’re likely to hear the phrase on the cusp. Literally this means “on the border between two things.” This can be literal, as with borderlines drawn between properties or with someone who is standing right on the edge of something about to drop off of it. However, it’s more often figurative, such as referring to the space between or overlap of two concepts or someone being about to do something. For example, someone born on the first day of a new zodiac sign is said to be on the cusp of the sign that came before it. And someone can say they are on the cusp of a victory or a failure.

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How is cusp used in real life?

Cusp is most often used figuratively to describe being on the verge of something.

 

Try using cusp!

Is cusp used correctly in the following sentence?

I was on the cusp of failing history class when I got an A that saved my grade.

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