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cusp
In mathematics, a point on a curve where two branches, coming from different directions, meet and have a common tangent. If the two branches of the curve approach the tangent from opposite sides the cusp is called a keratoid (from the Greek kera for horn) or first-order cusp. This is the case, for example, with the curve given by the equation y2 = x2y + x5. If the two branches of the curve approach the tangent from the same side the result is a ramphoid or second-order cusp. The curvature at a cusp is infinite.
"Cusp" derives from the Latin cuspis for sharp. Outside of mathematics, the points of a crescent moon are called cusps and the sharp pointed premolar teeth of children are known as bicuspids.
Related category
• PLANE CURVES
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