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 , with the in the final syllable preceding the , a metathesized pronunciation is also heard, in which the and change places producing . This pronunciation, resulting in part from analogy with plural forms like kicks and sticks, can sometimes lead to a false analysis of as a plural pronunciation, with a corresponding singular . The metathesized pronunciation, although occasionally heard among educated speakers, is usually considered nonstandard, as is the pronunciation of the singular form with no in the final syllable.

Word History and Origins

Origin of asterisk¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin asteriscus < Greek asterískos, diminutive of astḗr star

Word History and Origins

Origin of asterisk¹

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

Example Sentences

The words “Vaccines do not cause autism” still appear near the top, but with an asterisk that leads to a note at the bottom.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The bottom of the CDC webpage now says that the header “Vaccines do not cause autism” remains on the site with an asterisk because of “an agreement” with Cassidy.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The asterisk is that the Administration isn’t proposing a defense budget that shows investors the Pentagon is serious.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Only Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia and India are democracies, and the last two come with asterisks, given the autocratic tendencies of their current leaders.

Read more on Salon

South Africa's glory in Guwahati can be added to the list, but it will need an asterisk next to it.

Read more on BBC