asterism

as·ter·ism

A0481100 (ăs′tə-rĭz′əm)n.1. Printing Three asterisks in a triangular formation used to call attention to a following passage.2. Astronomy A pattern of stars that is not one of the traditionally established, named constellations, such as the Big Dipper or the Summer Triangle. Asterisms are often named and may be composed of stars that are members of one or more constellations.3. Mineralogy A six-rayed starlike figure optically produced in some crystal structures by reflected or transmitted light.

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[Greek asterismos, constellation, from astēr, star; see ster- in Indo-European roots.]

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as′ter·is′mal adj.

asterism

(ˈæstəˌrɪzəm) n1. (Printing, Lithography & Bookbinding) three asterisks arranged in a triangle (⁂ or the same symbol but upside down), to draw attention to the text that follows2. (Geological Science) a starlike effect seen in some minerals and gemstones when viewed by reflected or transmitted light3. (Astronomy) a cluster of stars, which may be a subset or a superset of a constellation[C16: from Greek asterismos arrangement of constellations, from astēr star]

as•ter•ism

(ˈæs təˌrɪz əm)

n. 1. a. a group of stars. b. a constellation. 2. a property of some crystallized minerals of showing a starlike luminous figure in transmitted light or, in a cabochon-cut stone, by reflected light. 3. three asterisks (⁂ or ⁂) printed before a passage to draw attention to it. [1590–1600; < Greek asterismós]

asterism

Rare. a constellation or small group of unrelated stars. — asterismal, adj.See also: Astronomy

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	asterism - (mineralogy) a star-shaped figure with six rays that is seen in some crystal structures under reflected or transmitted lightmineralogy - the branch of geology that studies minerals: their structure and properties and the ways of distinguishing themstar - a plane figure with 5 or more points; often used as an emblem
	2.	asterism - (astronomy) a cluster of stars (or a small constellation)natural object - an object occurring naturally; not made by manastronomy, uranology - the branch of physics that studies celestial bodies and the universe as a wholeconstellation - a configuration of stars as seen from the earth

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