Advertisement
Advertisement
asterism
[ as-tuh-riz-uhm ]
noun
- Astronomy.
- a group of stars.
- a constellation.
- Mineralogy. a property of some crystallized minerals of showing a starlike luminous figure in transmitted light or, in a cabochon-cut stone, by reflected light.
- three asterisks ( or ) printed to draw attention to a passage it precedes.
asterism
/ ˈæstəˌrɪzəm /
noun
- three asterisks arranged in a triangle ( or ), to draw attention to the text that follows
- a starlike effect seen in some minerals and gemstones when viewed by reflected or transmitted light
- a cluster of stars, which may be a subset or a superset of a constellation
Discover More
Other Words From
- aster·ismal adjective
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Origin of asterism1
C16: from Greek asterismos arrangement of constellations, from astēr star
Discover More
Example Sentences
On p. 291, the asterism (three asterisks forming a triangle) is represented simply three asterisks.
From Project Gutenberg
In this noble asterism the figure of a giant ascending a slope can be readily discerned when the constellation is due south.
From Project Gutenberg
This asterism was confessedly first taken notice of by Perez or Perseus, by which is meant the Persians.
From Project Gutenberg
In memorial of this altar an Asterism was formed in the Sphere, denominated βωμος, ara.
From Project Gutenberg
The principal stars of this asterism are of the third magnitude, with the exception of α, which is of the first.
From Project Gutenberg
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse