I. ˈkəsp noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin cuspis point
1. : the beginning or first entrance of any house in astrological nativity calculations
2. : point , apex
the cusp of a cone
the cusp of a peak
as
a. : either horn of the crescent moon or other crescent-shaped luminary
b. : a fixed point on a mathematical curve at which a point tracing the curve would exactly reverse its direction of motion, the tangents to the two parts of a cusp coinciding at the cusp
c. : an ornamental pointed projection (as from the intrados of a Gothic arch) formed by or arising from the intersection of two arcs or foils
d.
(1) : a point or projection on the occlusal surface of a tooth
(2) : one of various folds or flaps forming a cardiac valve
e. botany : a sharp and rigid point
3. : a landform characterized by a projection with indentations of crescent shape on either side (as along a shoreline or in a mountain front)
4. : a skate mark left on the ice in executing a half-turn from edge to edge
• cusped ˈkəspt adjective
[s]cusp.jpg[/s] [
1 cusp c
]
II. noun
: a point of transition (as from one historical period to the next) : turning point ; also : edge : verge
on the cusp of stardom