tricuspid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Medical
Quick answer
What does “tricuspid” mean?
Having three cusps or points.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Having three cusps or points.
Primarily refers to the tricuspid valve in the heart, which has three flaps (leaflets) and regulates blood flow between the right atrium and right ventricle. Also describes any anatomical structure or object with three distinct points or prongs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No difference in meaning or spelling. Pronunciation of the second vowel may differ slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical. Purely technical term.
Frequency
Used with identical, low frequency in both medical and biological contexts. Virtually absent from general language.
Grammar
How to Use “tricuspid” in a Sentence
[adj.] + valve (e.g., *the incompetent tricuspid valve*)[adj.] + +noun (e.g., *tricuspid morphology*)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tricuspid” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The echocardiogram revealed severe tricuspid incompetence.
- The surgeon focused on the tricuspid annulus during the repair.
American English
- The patient was diagnosed with tricuspid valve prolapse.
- Tricuspid atresia is a congenital heart defect.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used exclusively in medical, biological, and anatomical texts and lectures.
Everyday
Not used. A layperson might say 'heart valve'.
Technical
The primary context, specifically in cardiology, cardiac surgery, echocardiography, and anatomy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tricuspid”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tricuspid”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tricuspid”
- Mispronunciation: /trɪˈkjuːspɪd/ (like 'tricycle'). Correct is /traɪˈkʌspɪd/.
- Using as a common adjective (e.g., 'a tricuspid argument') is incorrect.
- Confusing 'tricuspid' (heart valve) with 'tricipital' (relating to the triceps muscle).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialised medical term. The average native speaker will only encounter it in a doctor's office or medical drama.
Rarely. In medical shorthand, professionals might say 'the tricuspid' to mean 'the tricuspid valve,' but the full term or the adjectival use is far more standard.
In terms of cusp number, a 'bicuspid' (or mitral) valve has two cusps. In terms of heart anatomy, the corresponding valve on the left side is the mitral valve.
While its dominant use is cardiac, it can describe any three-pointed structure in anatomy or biology (e.g., tricuspid teeth). However, outside of 'tricuspid valve,' this usage is very rare.
Having three cusps or points.
Tricuspid is usually technical / medical in register.
Tricuspid: in British English it is pronounced /traɪˈkʌspɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /traɪˈkʌspɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
TRIcuspid = TRI (three) + CUSPID (point/cusp). Think of the three points on a crown or a trident, relating it to the three flaps of the heart valve.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GATEKEEPER (the valve regulates one-way flow). A TRIPOD (three-pointed stability).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the word 'tricuspid' most specifically used?