cusp

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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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