Cusp

//kʌsp// noun, verb, slang

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A sharp point or pointed end.
  2. 2
    point formed by two intersecting arcs (as from the intrados of a Gothic arch) wordnet
  3. 3
    An important moment when a decision is made that will determine future events. figuratively

    "Newcastle were 11 points adrift of Spurs following their 5-0 mauling at the hands of the north London club in February. But a sixth successive Premier League win puts them on the cusp of European football next season as they surged 15 points clear of seventh-placed Everton, who have five games left to play."

  4. 4
    small elevation on the grinding surface of a tooth wordnet
  5. 5
    A point of a curve where the curve is continuous but has no derivative, but such that it has a derivative at every nearby point.
Show 6 more definitions
  1. 6
    a thin triangular flap of a heart valve wordnet
  2. 7
    A point made by the intersection of two curved lines or curved structures, a common motif in Gothic architecture.
  3. 8
    A boundary between zodiacal signs and houses.
  4. 9
    Any of the pointed parts of a canine tooth or molar.
  5. 10
    A flap of a valve of a heart or blood vessel.
  6. 11
    A point of transition.

    "I see freight returning in a big way. The 2016 reconnection of the Helwith Bridge quarries can produce up to three heavy trains a day. The nearby and much bigger Horton quarry is also on the cusp of rail reconnection."

Verb
  1. 1
    To behave in a reckless or dangerous manner. slang

Etymology

Etymology 1

From Latin cuspis (“a point, spear, pointed end”); first used in astrology. Doublet of cuspid and cuspis.

Etymology 2

From Latin cuspis (“a point, spear, pointed end”); first used in astrology. Doublet of cuspid and cuspis.

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