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

Other Words From

• cusp·al 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

“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.”

From Los Angeles Times

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

The governing NPP says it has built a resilient economy that is on the "cusp of… transformation" so it is not the time to change.

From BBC

Now, the Dodgers were ahead, on the cusp of a legacy-cementing title.

From Los Angeles Times

She feels "the rich are going to get richer" from this Budget and that "those at the bottom of the pile or on the cusp of the bottom" will be hit with more taxes.

From BBC

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? 

• cuspal (adjective)
• cuspate (adjective)
• cusped (adjective)

What are some synonyms for cusp?

• edge
• end
• point

What are some words that share a root or word element with cusp? 

• cuspate
• cuspid
• cusped

What are some words that often get used in discussing cusp?

• astrology
• crescent
• tooth
• era

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. pic.twitter.com/3wA7nGLMmH

— Merdy🪶Burbtuber🐥 (@Merdyburd) December 20, 2021

i'm sorry to interrupt, it's just i'm constantly on the cusp of trying to kiss you.

— rena (@renalovelis) October 7, 2015

Feelin inspired. Headin to the studio to make some music. We are on the cusp of greatness. #youdontevenknowwhatscomin

— Jake Miller (@jakemiller) April 19, 2014

 

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.