Exact Match for "cusp"
- cusp⇄cusp, noun.
1a. a point or pointed end. A crescent has two cusps.
b. (Geometry.) spinode.
2. a blunt or pointed end on the crown of a tooth or a valve of the heart.
3. (Architecture.) a point or projecting figure formed by the m
Starts With "cusp"
- cuspate⇄cuspate, adjective. cusped.
- cuspated⇄cuspated, adjective. cusped.
- cusped⇄cusped, adjective.
1. having a cusp or cusps.
2. shaped like a cups. - cuspid⇄cuspid, noun.
a tooth having one cusp; canine tooth. - cuspidal⇄cuspidal, adjective.
1. of or having to do with a cusp.
2. having a pointed end. - cuspidate⇄cuspidate, adjective.
having a sharp, pointed end.
Ex. cuspidate leaves. - cuspidated⇄cuspidated, adjective. cuspidate.
- cuspidation⇄cuspidation, noun.
decoration with cusps, as in architecture. - cuspidor⇄cuspidor, noun.
a container to spit into; spittoon. - cuspoid⇄cuspoid, adjective.
of or like a geometric cusp; like that of a geometric cusp.
Broader Match for "cusp"
- bicuspid⇄adj. having two points or cusps.
- bicuspid⇄bicuspid, noun, adjective.
- bicuspid⇄noun a double-pointed tooth that tears and grinds food; premolar. Adult human beings have eight bicuspids.
- bicuspid valve⇄bicuspid valve
the valve of the heart between the left auricle and left ventricle; mitral valve. - bicuspidal⇄bicuspidal, adjective. bicuspid.
- bicuspidate⇄bicuspidate, adjective, noun. bicuspid.
- tricuspid⇄adj. 1. having three points or cusps.
2. of or having to do with the tricuspid valve of the heart. - tricuspid⇄noun 1. a tricuspid tooth.
2. tricuspid valve. - tricuspid⇄tricuspid, adjective, noun.
- tricuspid valve⇄tricuspid valve
a valve of three segments opening from the right auricle into the right ventricle of the heart. It prevents blood from being forced back into the right auricle during contraction of the ventricles. - tricuspidal⇄tricuspidal, adjective. tricuspid.
- tricuspidate⇄tricuspidate, adjective.
three-pointed; tricuspid. - unicuspid⇄adj. having only one cusp, as an incisor or canine tooth.
- unicuspid⇄noun a unicuspid tooth.
- unicuspid⇄unicuspid, adjective, noun.
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Cusp
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Pronunciation
/kʌsp/ (KUSP)
Definitions
- Noun: A point of transition between two different states, conditions, or phases.
- Noun: The pointed end of a crescent-shaped object, such as the tip of a moon or a tooth.
- Verb: To be on the verge of a significant change or development.
Usage Examples
- "He stood on the cusp of greatness, about to make a pivotal decision."
- "The crescent moon had a sharp cusp that glowed brightly in the night sky."
- "The company was at the cusp of innovation, ready to launch a groundbreaking product."
Etymology
The word "cusp" comes from the Latin word "cuspis," meaning "point" or "spear." It originally referred to the sharp point or tip of an object, such as a spear, and later evolved to describe the point of transition in various contexts, such as in astrology or in general usage.
Synonyms
- Edge
- Threshold
- Verge
- Point
- Brink
Antonyms
- Center
- Middle
- Interior
- Equator
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Cúspide | KOOS-pee-deh |
| French | Cime | Seem |
| German | Spitze | Shpit-zeh |
| Italian | Cima | CHEE-mah |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 尖端 | Jiānduān |
| Japanese | 先端 | Sentan |
| Russian | Вершина | Vershina |
| Hindi | चोटी | Choti |
| Arabic | قمة | Qimmah |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
In some regions, "cusp" may be pronounced with emphasis on the first syllable ("KUSP"), while in certain dialects it might be softened to sound more like "KUS-puh." These variations are primarily based on accent differences and are most noticeable in informal speech.
Historical Usage
The word "cusp" has been used since the 15th century, initially in the context of heraldry and astrology, referring to the point where two signs or influences meet. Its usage expanded to other fields, such as medicine (for teeth) and geometry (for curves), as its metaphorical meaning of "transition" gained broader application.
Cultural Nuances
The concept of being on the "cusp" of something has rich cultural significance. In many traditions, being at the cusp of an event signifies a moment of great change or transformation. In astrology, being born on the cusp of two zodiac signs is believed to give individuals a blend of both signs' qualities, creating a unique and dynamic personality.
More Information
The term "cusp" has a variety of uses in different fields. In astronomy, it refers to the pointed end of a crescent moon. In mathematics, a cusp is a point where a curve meets itself, creating a sharp transition. In astrology, the cusp marks the dividing line between two signs of the zodiac. The word "cusp" is often associated with significant change, marking the boundary between one phase and the next. This duality in meaning underscores the concept of transition, which is central to the word's usage in both everyday language and specialized contexts.