Word Study
asterism
CIDE DICTIONARY
asterism, n. [Gr. , fr. 'asth`r star; cf. F. astérisme.].
- A constellation. [1913 Webster]
- An asterisk, or mark of reference. [1913 Webster]
- An optical property of some crystals which exhibit a star-shaped by reflected light, as star sapphire, or by transmitted light, as some mica. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
asterism, n.
1 a cluster of stars.
2 a group of three asterisks calling attention to following text.
1 a cluster of stars.
2 a group of three asterisks calling attention to following text.
Etymology
Gk asterismos (as ASTER, -ISM)
For further exploring for "asterism" in Webster Dictionary Online