aster

[ as-ter ]

noun

any composite plant of the genus Aster, having rays varying from white or pink to blue around a yellow disk.
a plant of some allied genus, as the China aster.

Cell Biology. a structure formed in a cell during mitosis, composed of astral rays radiating about the centrosome.
Furniture. sunflower (def. 2).

Origin of aster

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin, from Greek astḗr “star”; cf. star

Other definitions for -aster (2 of 3)

-aster¹

a diminutive or pejorative suffix denoting something that imperfectly resembles or mimics the true thing: criticaster; poetaster, oleaster.

Origin of -aster

From Latin

Other definitions for -aster (3 of 3)

-aster²

Chiefly Biology. a combining form with the meaning “star,” used in the formation of compound words: diaster.

Origin of -aster

<Greek astḗrstar; cf. astro-

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use aster in a sentence

The next moment, plump into Tilly's lap, fell a huge pink aster.
The Sunbridge Girls at Six Star Ranch | Eleanor H. (Eleanor Hodgman) Porter
Be on the lookout for black beetle on aster and Chrysanthemum.
Amateur Gardencraft | Eben E. Rexford
Iron-weed, which looks like an overgrown aster, has the same intense purple-blue color, and a royal profusion of flowers.
A Year in the Fields | John Burroughs
The China aster has been for years a great favorite in both old-fashioned and modern gardens.
The Practical Garden-Book | C. E. Hunn
This answer made aster so angry that he went over to the enemy and enlisted in their ranks.
The Story of the Greeks | H. A. Guerber

British Dictionary definitions for aster (1 of 2)

aster

/ (ˈæstə) /

noun

any plant of the genus Aster, having white, blue, purple, or pink daisy-like flowers: family Asteraceae (composites): Compare golden aster
China aster a related Chinese plant, Callistephus chinensis, widely cultivated for its showy brightly coloured flowers

cytology a group of radiating microtubules that surrounds the centrosome before and during mitosis

Origin of aster

C18: from New Latin, from Latin aster star, from Greek

British Dictionary definitions for -aster (2 of 2)

-aster

suffix forming nouns

a person or thing that is inferior or bears only a poor resemblance to what is specified: poetaster

Origin of -aster

from Latin: suffix indicating imperfect resemblance

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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