asterism

American  

[as-tuh-riz-uhm] / ˈæs təˌrɪz əm /

noun

1. Astronomy.

   1. a group of stars.

   2. a constellation.

2. 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.

3. three asterisks ( or ) printed to draw attention to a passage it precedes.

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asterism British  

/ ˈæstəˌrɪzəm /

noun

1. three asterisks arranged in a triangle ( or ), to draw attention to the text that follows

2. a starlike effect seen in some minerals and gemstones when viewed by reflected or transmitted light

3. a cluster of stars, which may be a subset or a superset of a constellation

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Other Word Forms

• asterismal adjective

Etymology

Origin of asterism

1590–1600; < Greek asterism ( ós ) a marking with stars. See asterisk, -ism

Example Sentences

This large constellation in the northern sky is conspicuous thanks to its attachment to the neighboring constellation Pegasus and that constellation’s Great Square asterism.

From National Geographic

But this asterism—literally, a pattern of stars—is not just a pretty sight.

From Scientific American

The Sagittarius asterism is shaped like a teapot, and when it sets in the west, it gives a hint of pouring tea.

From Washington Post

The Big Dipper isn't a constellation to them; it is an “asterism.”

From Scientific American

The moon crosses through asterism of Sagittarius on Sept. 14.

From Washington Post