Medical Words
MedicalWords

11,000+ medical terms. Free forever.

How to Pronounce Cuspid

Definition, meaning, and phonetic spelling

Cuspid Pronunciation

KUS-pid

Stressed syllable in ALL CAPS · hyphens separate syllables

Syllable Breakdown

KUS

stress here

pid

2 syllables

What is Cuspid?

Another name for the canine tooth, the pointed tooth located between the incisors and premolars. Cuspids have a single prominent cusp and are used for tearing food.

Questions About Cuspid

How do you pronounce the word 'cuspid'?

+
Cuspid is pronounced KUS-pid, with two syllables. Say it like "KUSS" (rhymes with "bus") followed by "pid" (rhymes with "rid"). The stress falls on the first syllable, KUS, which should be said a bit louder and longer than the second syllable.

What is the most common mispronunciation of 'cuspid'?

+
Many people mistakenly stress the second syllable, saying "kus-PID" instead of "KUS-pid." Remember that the emphasis belongs on the first syllable—think of the word "cusper" or "custard" to help you put the stress in the right place.

What does the word 'cuspid' mean in plain English?

+
A cuspid is simply a canine tooth—the pointed tooth you have between your front incisors and your back premolars. The name comes from the fact that these teeth have a single sharp point, or cusp, that makes them stand out.

Where does the word 'cuspid' come from?

+
The word 'cuspid' comes from the Latin word 'cuspis,' which means "point" or "spear." This makes sense because cuspid teeth have that characteristic single pointed tip that you can feel with your tongue.

How many syllables does 'cuspid' have?

+
Cuspid has two syllables: CUS-pid. Breaking it into parts helps you pronounce it correctly and remember which syllable gets the stress.

What is a related word that uses the same root as 'cuspid'?

+
The word 'cusp' is related to 'cuspid'—a cusp is simply the pointed tip of a tooth. You'll also see the root 'cusp' in words like 'bicuspid,' which is a tooth with two cusps, and 'tricuspid,' which relates to something with three points.

Can you use 'cuspid' in a simple sentence?

+
Here's an example: "When you smile, your cuspids are the pointy teeth on either side of your front teeth." Another way to say it: "The dentist examined my cuspid to check for any wear."

Is 'cuspid' the same as 'canine tooth'?

+
Yes, 'cuspid' and 'canine tooth' mean the same thing and are used interchangeably in dental language. Cuspid is simply another name for the same tooth, and both terms are correct.