asterisk

[ as-tuh-risk ]

noun

1. a small starlike symbol (*), used in writing and printing as a reference mark or to indicate omission, doubtful matter, etc.
2. Linguistics. the figure of a star (*) used to mark an utterance that would be considered ungrammatical or otherwise unacceptable by native speakers of a language, as in

   * I enjoy to ski.

3. Historical Linguistics. the figure of a star (*) used to mark a hypothetical or reconstructed form that is not attested in a text or inscription.
4. something in the shape of a star or asterisk.
5. any factor or element that makes an otherwise outstanding achievement somewhat doubtful or less impressive:

   Two favorites were injured in practice, so his win comes with an asterisk attached.

6. a minor or insignificant person or thing:

   his unlikely rise from an asterisk in the polls to the winning candidate.

verb (used with object)

1. to mark with an asterisk.

asterisk

/ ˈæstərɪsk /

noun

1. a star-shaped character (*) used in printing or writing to indicate a cross-reference to a footnote, an omission, etc
2. 1. (in historical linguistics) this sign used to indicate an unattested reconstructed form
   2. (in descriptive linguistics) this sign used to indicate that an expression is ungrammatical or in some other way unacceptable

verb

1. tr to mark with an asterisk

Pronunciation Note

While asterisk is usually said as [as, -t, uh, -risk], with the [s] in the final syllable preceding the [k], a metathesized pronunciation is also heard, in which the [s] and [k] change places producing [as, -t, uh, -riks]. This pronunciation, resulting in part from analogy with plural forms like kicks and sticks, can sometimes lead to a false analysis of [as, -t, uh, -riks] as a plural pronunciation, with a corresponding singular [as, -t, uh, -rik]. The metathesized pronunciation, although occasionally heard among educated speakers, is usually considered nonstandard, as is the pronunciation of the singular form with no [s] in the final syllable.

Word History and Origins

Origin of asterisk¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin asteriscus < Greek asterískos, diminutive of astḗr star none

Word History and Origins

Origin of asterisk¹

C17: from Late Latin asteriscus a small star, from Greek asteriskos, from astēr star

Example Sentences

Keep the scare quotes around gay “marriage,” or at least put an asterisk after it.

From The Daily Beast

Hoist that big historical asterisk skyward and place it next to his name.

From The Daily Beast

In a year with less unrest economically, that would be an asterisk.

From The Daily Beast

But now, in the name of religion, some people want to add an asterisk.

From The Daily Beast

Instead of guessing, put an asterisk in the vacant spot and have the search engine figure it out for you.

From The Daily Beast

I have put an asterisk against the names of the colleges whose presidents are graduates of Oberlin.

From Project Gutenberg

By the asterisk above mentioned the writer refers to a circle surrounded by rays, a sun symbol of male significance.

From Project Gutenberg

There is a tendency to confine the asterisk to such cases, and to use the full stop for shorter ellipses.

From Project Gutenberg

Most of these are recollected by Professor Cromwell and those with the asterisk are furnished by others.

From Project Gutenberg

Page 2, added missing footnote reference (original text had footnote, but no matching asterisk).

From Project Gutenberg