asterism
|as-ter-ism|
/ˈæstərɪzəm/
star pattern
Etymology
'asterism' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'asterismos,' where 'aster' meant 'star.'
'asterismos' transformed into the Latin word 'asterismus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'asterism.'
Initially, it meant 'a marking of stars,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'star pattern' and 'typographic symbol.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a prominent pattern or group of stars, typically having a popular name but smaller than a constellation.
The Big Dipper is an asterism within the constellation Ursa Major.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a group of three asterisks (⁂) used to draw attention to a passage or to separate sub-chapters in a book.
The author used an asterism to separate the sections of the chapter.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/02/16 23:06