What does tricuspid mean?
Tricuspid describes something with three cusps, or pointed projections, and is especially familiar from the tricuspid valve, the heart's three-leaflet valve between the right atrium and right ventricle. The name contrasts with the mitral valve, whose two leaflets give it a different name. In dentistry, a tricuspid is a tooth with three cusps, though this use is now largely historical. The word may function as an adjective, as in “tricuspid valve,” or as a noun when referring to the valve, one of its cusps, or a three-cusped tooth. It belongs primarily to formal medical and anatomical vocabulary rather than everyday speech. Learning it is useful because it describes a basic structural feature: the presence of three points or cusps. The term can also recall the heart's anatomy and the distinctive design of the valve that regulates blood flow from the right atrium into the right ventricle.
Having three cusps, points, or projecting parts.
"The patient's tricuspid valve was leaking."
Most common in medical and anatomical contexts, especially in the compound “tricuspid valve.”
A tricuspid heart valve, one of its three cusps or leaflets, or a tooth with three cusps.
"The cardiologist examined the tricuspid for signs of stenosis."
Standalone use is relatively uncommon; “tricuspid valve” is normally clearer when the heart valve is intended.
The plural is uncommon. In medical writing, “tricuspid valves” is usually preferred, while “tricuspid teeth” may be used for the dental sense.
"The dentist compared the two tricuspids on either side of the mouth."
The heart's tricuspid valve is named for its three leaflets, distinguishing it from the two-leaflet mitral valve.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tricuspid come from?
The word comes through Latin, where tricuspis means “three-pointed.” It combines tri-, meaning “three,” with cuspis, meaning “point” or “cusp.” English later developed related forms such as tricuspidal and tricuspidate, while words including cusp, cuspid, and cuspidate preserve the same Latin element.
Related word forms
How tricuspid is actually used
The word is primarily formal and technical. In medicine, it is commonly used as shorthand for the tricuspid heart valve; in dentistry, it can describe a tooth with three cusps, although the historical dental term is now uncommon.
Easily confused with tricuspid
A bicuspid tooth or valve has two cusps, whereas a tricuspid has three.
A cuspid is a pointed canine tooth, while a tricuspid tooth has three cusps or points.