any of the luminous celestial objects seen as points of light in the sky; esp., any self-luminous celestial body having continuous nuclear reactions which send heat, light, etc. in all directions
a conventionalized flat figure having (usually five or six) symmetrical projecting points, regarded as a representation of a star of the sky
any mark, shape, emblem, or the like resembling such a figure, often used as an award, symbol of rank or authority, etc.