Literary notes about cusp (AI summary)
The term "cusp" is employed in literature to evoke a sense of a pointed edge or transitional moment, whether in concrete descriptions or as a metaphor for change. In anatomical or technical contexts, it denotes a projection or tip—as seen in detailed discussions of dental anatomy where albeit minor differences in shape carry significant meaning [1][2][3]. In architectural and ornamental descriptions, the word captures the essence of decorative points that punctuate design, such as in the elegant finials of a moulding or the intricate tracery of a window [4][5]. Meanwhile, in astrological writings, "cusp" marks the border between celestial houses or signs, symbolizing an intersection where contrasting qualities merge [6][7][8]. Even in poetic settings, it suggests a moment on the verge of transition, an edge where light or shadow defines the boundary of perception [9][10].
- In respect to their upper teeth, the incisors are small, equal, and have a hind cusp on the cingulum.
— from A Hand-book to the Primates, Volume 1 (of 2) by Henry O. (Henry Ogg) Forbes - Eventually the patient discovered the cusp on the top of the granulation tissue which had filled up the socket.
— from Extraction of the Teeth by Frank Colyer - The true and perfect cusp is single only.
— from The Stones of Venice, Volume 1 (of 3) by John Ruskin - Each outward projection of this round moulding ends in a large finial, so that there are five in all, one to each cusp and three to the pentagon.
— from Portuguese Architecture by Walter Crum Watson - To the humble laborer who dug the trenches, to the artist whose chisel carved foliage or cusp or capital, a share in our grateful memory is due."
— from Authors and Writers Associated with MorristownWith a Chapter on Historic Morristown by Julia Keese Colles - "Moon near cusp of the 11th, many friends, especially females.
— from The Pleasures of Ignorance by Robert Lynd - On the cusp of the Fourth House we place Capricornus 2, because the Fourth House is opposite the 10th and the sign Capricornus is opposite to Cancer.
— from Astrology: How to Make and Read Your Own Horoscope by Sepharial - At noon the Sun is on the cusp of the tenth house.
— from How to Read the Crystal; or, Crystal and Seer by Sepharial - The cusp of a watery moon faded in the gray dawn streaks of a muffled sky, and at last came the chairmen, with Jack running alert.
— from Heralds of EmpireBeing the Story of One Ramsay Stanhope, Lieutenant to Pierre Radisson in the Northern Fur Trade by Agnes C. Laut - They are, however, so high that they blunt the southern cusp of the moon when it is in crescent form.
— from To Mars via The MoonAn Astronomical Story by Mark Wicks