asterism

Noun

Open English WordNet

Noun (2)

  1. (mineralogy) a star-shaped figure with six rays that is seen in some crystal structures under reflected or transmitted lightType of star
  2. (astronomy) a cluster of stars (or a small constellation)Type of natural objectExamples Big Dipper, Little DipperMember of constellation

Related words asterismal adjective

Word of the day · Oct 13About this word
irascibleadjective

What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz

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Webster's Dictionary (1913)

As′ter·ism (…), noun

Origin: Gr. …, fr. ἀστήρ star; cf. F. astérisme.

1. Astronomy (a) A constellation. obsolete (b) A small cluster of stars.

2. Printing (a) An asterisk, or mark of reference. rare (b) Three asterisks placed in this manner, ⁂, to direct attention to a particular passage.

3. Crystallography An optical property of some crystals which exhibit a star-shaped by reflected light, as star sapphire, or by transmitted light, as some mica.

Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54

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