CUSP

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does cusp mean? 

• CUSP (noun)
  The noun CUSP has 3 senses:

1. point formed by two intersecting arcs (as from the intrados of a Gothic arch)

2. a thin triangular flap of a heart valve

3. small elevation on the grinding surface of a tooth

  Familiarity information: CUSP used as a noun is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• CUSP (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Point formed by two intersecting arcs (as from the intrados of a Gothic arch)

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Hypernyms ("cusp" is a kind of...):

point (sharp end)

Derivation:

cuspidal (having cusps or points)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A thin triangular flap of a heart valve

Classified under:

Nouns denoting body parts

Synonyms:

cusp; leaflet

Hypernyms ("cusp" is a kind of...):

flap (a movable piece of tissue partly connected to the body)

Holonyms ("cusp" is a part of...):

cardiac valve; heart valve (a valve to control one-way flow of blood)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Small elevation on the grinding surface of a tooth

Classified under:

Nouns denoting body parts

Hypernyms ("cusp" is a kind of...):

peak; point; tip (a V shape)

Holonyms ("cusp" is a part of...):

tooth (hard bonelike structures in the jaws of vertebrates; used for biting and chewing or for attack and defense)

 Context examples 

These teeth have two cusps (points) and are used to tear and grind food.

(Bicuspid Tooth, NCI Thesaurus)

Uncertainty remains as to whether the planet lies inside, outside, or on the cusp of the habitable zone, where liquid water may exist on a planet’s surface.

(Closest Temperate World Orbiting Quiet Star Discovered, ESO)

The sizzling planet is so close to its star that it is on the cusp of being ripped apart by the star's gravity.

(Hubble Uncovers a ‘Heavy Metal’ Exoplanet Shaped Like a Football, NASA)

Uranus rules Aquarius, the sign on the cusp of your honors, awards, and achievement sector, so something related to your career is likely to come up suddenly, but it can be handled well.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)