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

Trump was on the cusp of vindication in 2020 for the very simple reason that he didn’t go through with many of his most disruptive campaign ideas in 2016.

From Slate

“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

The chartthrob fixation, in 2020 and now, is just TikTok for people on the cusp of a midlife crisis: an obsession that seems harmless until you find yourself at the bottom of the rabbit hole somewhere around 3 a.m.

From Los Angeles Times