| 释义 |
asterism|ˈæstərɪz(ə)m|
[ad. Gr. ἀστερισµός a marking with stars, a constellation, f. ἀστήρ star: see -ism.]
1. A group or cluster of stars; a constellation.
1598Chapman Bl. Beggar Plays 1874, 12 All set in number and in perfect form, Even like the Asterisms fix'd in heaven. 1774J. Bryant Mythol. I. 341 The zodiac, and its asterisms. 1869Dunkin Midn. Sky 151 Cepheus was one of the old forty-eight asterisms.
†2. loosely, A star, or anything shaped like one.
1657Reeve God's Plea 55 Oh that Mercy is such a bright Star, and yet that we have neither observed the Asterism, nor, etc. 1743tr. Heister's Surg. 19 There are other [Compresses] again in the form of an Asterism.
3. A group of three asterisks placed thus ({astm}) to direct attention to a particular passage. Rarely, a single asterisk (*) so used.
1649G. Daniel Trinarch. xvi, This full Quotation, by an Asterisme Set in the margent of a middle Page. 1796Morse Amer. Geog. I. 193 To which an asterism (*) is prefixed. 1871Ringwalt Encycl. Print. 48 Asterism, three asterisks placed in this manner [{astm}].
4. Min. (Also in mod.L. form asterismus.) An appearance of light in the shape of a six-rayed star seen in some crystals, as in star sapphire.
1879Rutley Stud. Rocks x. 135 This asterismus is due to the presence of included microliths or small crystals. |