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

And there was some indication that the “low hiring, low firing” dynamic seen in the labor market might be on the cusp of worsening.

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In his daily research note, market strategist David Rosenberg predicted the Bank of Japan is on the cusp of having to change policy to stabilize its currency.

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Townsend had his contract extended to lead the team through the 2027 World Cup in Australia, with the bosses at Scottish Rugby convinced that this side is on the cusp of something good.

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England have cruised through World Cup qualifying, winning all seven of their games and scoring 20 unanswered goals, setting several records and leaving them on the cusp of another.

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His elegant and urbane Oedipus, a politician on the cusp of a momentous victory, prides himself on not playing by the old rules.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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.