Asterism Definition
ăstə-rĭzəm
asterisms
noun
Three asterisks in a triangular formation used to call attention to a following passage.
American Heritage
A group or cluster of stars that may or may not form a constellation.
Webster's New World
A pattern of stars that is not one of the traditionally established, named constellations, such as the Big Dipper or the Summer Triangle. Asterisms are often named and may be composed of stars that are members of one or more constellations.
American Heritage
A starlike figure produced in some crystals by reflected or transmitted light.
Webster's New World
A six-rayed starlike figure optically produced in some crystal structures by reflected or transmitted light.
American Heritage
Other Word Forms of Asterism
Noun
Singular:
asterismPlural:
asterismsOrigin of Asterism
-
Greek asterismos constellation from astēr star ster-3 in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
From Ancient Greek ἀστερισμός (asterismos, “group of stars”), from ἀστήρ (astēr, “star”).
From Wiktionary
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