asterism Hear it!

asterism definition

as·ter·ism (-iz′əm)

noun

  1. a group or cluster of stars that may or may not form a constellation
  2. Mineralogy a starlike figure produced in some crystals by reflected or transmitted light
  3. Printing three asterisks placed in triangular form ( or ⁂) to call attention to a passage

Etymology: Gr asterismos, a marking with stars < asterizein, to mark with stars < astēr, star

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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