cusp

cusp
[[t]kʌsp[/t]]
n.
1) a point or pointed end
2) bio frm an anatomical point or prominence, as on the crown of a tooth or on a valve of the heart
3) math. a point where two branches of a curve meet, end, and are tangent
4) archit. an architectural figure consisting of a pair of curves tangent to the line defining the area, decorated and meeting at a point within the area
5) astron. a point of a crescent, esp. of the moon
6) astrol.
a) the degree of the zodiac that marks the beginning of an astrological house or sign
b) the beginning, esp. the first day, of a new sign
c) a person born on the first day of a sign
7) a point that marks the beginning of a change:
on the cusp of a new era[/ex]
Etymology: 1575–85; < L cuspis a point cusp′al, adj.

From formal English to slang. 2014.

Игры ⚽ Нужна курсовая?
Synonyms:

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Cusp — may refer to: Beach cusps, a pointed and regular arc pattern of the shoreline at the beach Behavioral cusp (psychology) an important behavior change with far reaching consequences Cusp catastrophe Cusp (astrology), a boundary between zodiac signs …   Wikipedia

  • cusp — [kʌsp] n [Date: 1500 1600; : Latin; Origin: cuspis point ] 1.) technical the point formed where two curves join 2.) be on the cusp of sth [singular] to be at the time when a situation or state is going to change ▪ The country was on the cusp of… …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • cusp — [ kʌsp ] noun count 1. ) TECHNICAL the point where two curves meet 2. ) a time when one situation or stage ends and another begins: the problems confronting Africa on the cusp of the millennium on the cusp someone who was born on the cusp was… …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • Cusp — Cusp, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Cusped} (k[u^]spt); p. pr. & vb. n. {Cusping}.] To furnish with a cusp or cusps. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • cusp — [kusp] n. [L cuspis (gen. cuspidis), point, pointed end, spear] 1. a point or pointed end; apex; peak 2. Anat. a) any of the elevations on the chewing surface of a tooth b) any of the triangular flaps of a heart valve 3. Archit. a projecting… …   English World dictionary

  • Cusp — (k[u^]sp), n. [L. cuspis, idis, point, pointed end.] [1913 Webster] 1. (Arch.) A triangular protection from the intrados of an arch, or from an inner curve of tracery. [1913 Webster] 2. (Astrol.) The beginning or first entrance of any house in… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • cusp — cusp·ing; cusp; …   English syllables

  • cusp — ► NOUN 1) a pointed end where two curves meet. 2) each of the pointed ends of a crescent, especially of the moon. 3) a cone shaped prominence on the surface of a tooth. 4) Astrology the initial point of an astrological sign or house. 5) a point… …   English terms dictionary

  • cusp — 1580s, from L. cuspis point, spear, pointed end, head, of unknown origin. Astrological use is earliest …   Etymology dictionary

  • cusp — UK [kʌsp] / US noun [countable] Word forms cusp : singular cusp plural cusps 1) in mathematics, for example, the point where two curves meet 2) a time when one situation or stage ends and another begins the problems confronting Africa on the cusp …   English dictionary

  • Cusp — Cette page d’homonymie répertorie les différents sujets et articles partageant un même nom. Le terme cusp est un terme mathématique anglais recouvrant plusieurs notions distinctes. Parfois employé tel quel dans les textes mathématiques français,… …   Wikipédia en Français

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