English Explanatory Dictionary

cusp

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A sharp point or pointed end.
  2. An important moment when a decision is made that will determine future events.
  3. A point of a curve where the curve is continuous but has no derivative, but such that it has a derivative at every nearby point.
  4. A point made by the intersection of two curved lines or curved structures, a common motif in Gothic architecture.
  5. A boundary between zodiacal signs and houses.
  6. Any of the pointed parts of a canine tooth or molar.
  7. A flap of a valve of a heart or blood vessel.
  8. A point of transition.
verb
  1. To behave in a reckless or dangerous manner.

Pronunciation

/kʌsp/ en-us-cusp.ogg /kʊsp/

Word forms

cusp cusps cusping cusped

Etymology

From Latin cuspis (“a point, spear, pointed end”); first used in astrology. Doublet of cuspid and cuspis.

Synonyms

ord

Related words

bicuspid cusper cuspid tricuspid

Derived words

cuspal cuspate cuspation cusped cusp form cuspless cusplet cusplike cusp neighborhood cusp neighbourhood cuspule cuspy hypercusp intercusp monocusp on the cusp ossicusp pseudocusp
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