Illustration of cusp
- 1 cusp d
a
: a point of transition (as from one historical period to the next) : turning point
b
: either horn of a crescent moon
c
: a fixed point on a mathematical curve at which a point tracing the curve would exactly reverse its direction of motion
d
: an ornamental pointed projection formed by or arising from the intersection of two arcs or foils (see foil entry 2 sense 4)
e(1)
: a point on the grinding surface of a tooth
(2)
: a fold or flap of a cardiac valve
Examples of cusp in a Sentence
the cusp of a tooth
medical researchers who are on the cusp of a major breakthrough
Recent Examples on the Web
Right on the cusp of Aspen Mountain is the luxurious and sprawling St. Regis resort which, in the summer, has the best pool in town.
—
Elise Taylor, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2025
These teeth reveal distinct cusp patterns that are virtually identical to those of parapithecids and eosimiids, families of African primates that lived over 30 million years ago.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
Leading the newcomers to the Paris schedule is Alaïa, who will show on March 4 at 7 p.m., after previously showing at the cusp between men’s and couture weeks.
—Lily Templeton, WWD, 3 Feb. 2025
And people born on the cusp of one generation or the other like to debate their affiliation.
—Savannah Kuchar, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cusp
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Elise Taylor, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2025
These teeth reveal distinct cusp patterns that are virtually identical to those of parapithecids and eosimiids, families of African primates that lived over 30 million years ago.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
Leading the newcomers to the Paris schedule is Alaïa, who will show on March 4 at 7 p.m., after previously showing at the cusp between men’s and couture weeks.
—Lily Templeton, WWD, 3 Feb. 2025
And people born on the cusp of one generation or the other like to debate their affiliation.
—Savannah Kuchar, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cusp
Cite this Entry
“Cusp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cusp. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cusp
noun
: a point or pointed end or part: as
a
: either of the pointed ends of a crescent moon
b
: a point on the grinding surface of a tooth
c
: a fold or flap of a heart valve
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