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cusp
[ kuhsp ]
noun
- 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.
- a point or pointed end:
The sharp cusp of the mountain pierced through the thick clouds.
- Anatomy, Zoology, Botany. a point, projection, or elevation, as on the crown of a tooth.
- Also called spinode. Geometry. a point where two branches of a curve meet, end, and are tangent.
- 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.
- Astronomy. a point of a crescent, especially of the moon.
- Astrology.
- 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.
- 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
/ ʌ /
noun
- any of the small elevations on the grinding or chewing surface of a tooth
- any of the triangular flaps of a heart valve
- a point or pointed end
- Also calledspinode geometry a point at which two arcs of a curve intersect and at which the two tangents are coincident
- architect a carving at the meeting place of two arcs
- astronomy either of the points of a crescent moon or of a satellite or inferior planet in a similar phase
- astrology any division between houses or signs of the zodiac
Other 51Թ Forms
- ܲ· adjective
51Թ History and Origins
Origin of cusp1
51Թ History and Origins
Origin of cusp1
Example Sentences
She hopes the money will contribute to "solid advancements", saying the team at King's were "on the cusp of something excellent with their development of Car-T treatment for AML".
Hoping to capitalise on some rare good news on interest rates, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was on the cusp of announcing an April polling date.
There’s that tender scene where Mark S. is back at the computer, on the cusp of finishing Cold Harbor, and Helly is trying to be supportive about moving forward with outie Mark’s plan.
The “nameless” is clearly on the cusp of something — ready to either break in the direction of a mainstream religion or give in to its darkest instincts.
On the cusp of a new chapter, Meghan spoke to People about the “wonderful feeling” of being “able to find yourself again.”
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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.
Did you know … ?
What are some other forms related to cusp?
What are some synonyms for cusp?
What are some words that share a root or word element with cusp?
What are some words that often get used in discussing cusp?
How is cusp used in real life?
Cusp is most often used figuratively to describe being on the verge of something.
When you buy Christmas gifts on the cusp of arriving on time and arriving late and you have no way of knowing when exactly they'll arrive.
Plz FedEx, gimme that tracking number.
— Merdy🪶Burbtuber🐥 (@Merdyburd)
i'm sorry to interrupt, it's just i'm constantly on the cusp of trying to kiss you.
— rena (@renalovelis)
Feelin inspired. Headin to the studio to make some music. We are on the cusp of greatness.
— Jake Miller (@jakemiller)
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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