cusp

cusp

cusp / kəsp/ • n. 1. a pointed end where two curves meet, in particular: ∎  Archit. a projecting point between small arcs in Gothic tracery. ∎  a cone-shaped prominence on the surface of a tooth, esp. of a molar or premolar. ∎  Anat. a pocket or fold in the wall of the heart or a major blood vessel that fills and distends if the blood flows backward, so forming part of a valve. ∎  Math. a point at which the direction of a curve is abruptly reversed. ∎  each of the pointed ends of a crescent, esp. of the moon. 2. Astrol. the initial point of an astrological sign or house: he was Aries on the cusp with Taurus. ∎ fig. a point between two different situations or states, when a person or thing is poised between the two: those on the cusp of adulthood. DERIVATIVES: cus·pate / ˈkəspət; -ˌpāt/ adj. cusped adj. cus·pi·date / ˈkəspəˌdāt/ adj.

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"cusp." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"cusp." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-cusp.html

"cusp." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-cusp.html

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cusp

cusp (kusp) n.
1. any of the cone-shaped prominences on the teeth, especially the premolars and molars.

2. a pocket or fold of the membrane lining the heart or of the layer of the wall of a vein, several of which form a valve. When the blood flows backwards the cusps fill up and become distended, so closing the valve.

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"cusp." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"cusp." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-cusp.html

"cusp." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-cusp.html

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cusp

cusp. Point made by the intersection of two curved lines or members, e.g. the projecting point between the small arcs or foils in Gothic tracery, or the enrichment on the intrados of a Gothic arch provided by foliation, the curves of which touch the inner edge of the main arch (cusped arch).

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JAMES STEVENS CURL. "cusp." A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

JAMES STEVENS CURL. "cusp." A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O1-cusp.html

JAMES STEVENS CURL. "cusp." A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. 2000. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O1-cusp.html

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cusp

cusp
1. A sharp raised protuberance on the surface of a molar tooth. The cusps of opposing molars (i.e. on opposite jaws) are complementary to each other, which increases the efficiency of grinding food during chewing.

2. A flap forming part of a valve.

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"cusp." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"cusp." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-cusp.html

"cusp." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-cusp.html

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cusp

cusp The region near the pointed ‘horns’ of the crescent Moon, Venus, or Mercury, as seen from Earth. The term may also be used of other bodies seen as a crescent from space probes.

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"cusp." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"cusp." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-cusp.html

"cusp." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-cusp.html

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cusp

cusp (astrol.) entrance of a house XVI; point, apex XVII. — L. cuspis, -id- point, pointed weapon.
So cuspidate(d) sharp-pointed. XVII. — pp. of L. cuspidāre, see -ATE 2.

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T. F. HOAD. "cusp." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

T. F. HOAD. "cusp." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-cusp.html

T. F. HOAD. "cusp." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-cusp.html

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cusp

cusp in astrology, the initial point of an astrological house.

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ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "cusp." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "cusp." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-cusp.html

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cusp

cusp Of a tooth, the biting point.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "cusp." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "cusp." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-cusp.html

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cusp

cusp •asp •clasp, gasp, grasp, hasp, rasp •crisp, lisp, will-o'-the-wisp, wisp •wasp • woodwasp • cusp

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"cusp." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"cusp." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-cusp.html

"cusp." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-cusp.html

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