asterisk

[ as-tuh-risk ]

/ ˈæs tə rɪsk /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR asterisk ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a small starlike symbol (*), used in writing and printing as a reference mark or to indicate omission, doubtful matter, etc.

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.

Historical Linguistics. the figure of a star (*) used to mark a hypothetical or reconstructed form that is not attested in a text or inscription.

something in the shape of a star or asterisk.

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.

a minor or insignificant person or thing: his unlikely rise from an asterisk in the polls to the winning candidate.

verb (used with object)

to mark with an asterisk.

Nearby words

aster yellows, asteraceous, astereognosis, asteriated, asterion, asterisk, asterism, asterixis, astern, asternal, asternia

Origin of asterisk

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

Pronunciation note

While asterisk is usually said as

[as-tuh-risk] /ˈæs tə rɪsk/, with the [s] /s/ in the final syllable preceding the [k] /k/, a metathesized pronunciation is also heard, in which the [s] /s/ and [k] /k/ change places producing

[as-tuh-riks] /ˈæs tə rɪks/. This pronunciation, resulting in part from analogy with plural forms like kicks and sticks, can sometimes lead to a false analysis of

[as-tuh-riks] /ˈæs tə rɪks/ as a plural pronunciation, with a corresponding singular

[as-tuh-rik] /ˈæs tə rɪk/. The metathesized pronunciation, although occasionally heard among educated speakers, is usually considered nonstandard, as is the pronunciation of the singular form with no [s] /s/ in the final syllable.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for asterisk

In a year with less unrest economically, that would be an asterisk.
Can This Ornery Socialist Spoil the Clinton Coronation?|David Freedlander|July 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But now, in the name of religion, some people want to add an asterisk.
A Victory for ‘Religious Freedom’ is a Loss for Religion|Gene Robinson|June 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Instead of guessing, put an asterisk in the vacant spot and have the search engine figure it out for you.
13 Hacks to Improve Your Google Search|Nina Strochlic|September 15, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The asterisk for the inevitable deluge of commenters noting that the honor isn't actually a Nobel Prize.
Meet the Nobel* Winners in Economics|Justin Green|October 15, 2012|DAILY BEAST

Sure, he only has the single Open to his name, but his staying power puts an asterisk next to that.
Why Andy Roddick Had to Quit Tennis|Nicholas McCarvel|August 31, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Everywhere in the missal where an asterisk occurs they pause, and say in a low voice, "Jesus-Marie-Joseph."
Les Misrables|Victor Hugo
Those marked with an asterisk were cases of pronounced high stress.
The Anatomy of Bridgework|William Henry Thorpe
In the literature sections books marked with an asterisk are those which the student will find more immediately useful.
Selections from Early Middle English 1130-1250: Part II: Notes|Various
In the following tables, an asterisk means that the species is not found in any other distinct region of the globe.
A Monograph on the Sub-class Cirripedia (Volume 2 of 2)|Charles Darwin
Most of these are recollected by Professor Cromwell and those with the asterisk are furnished by others.
The Journal of Negro History, Volume 5, 1920|Various

British Dictionary definitions for asterisk

asterisk

/ (ˈæstərɪsk) /

noun

a star-shaped character (*) used in printing or writing to indicate a cross-reference to a footnote, an omission, etc

(in historical linguistics) this sign used to indicate an unattested reconstructed form
(in descriptive linguistics) this sign used to indicate that an expression is ungrammatical or in some other way unacceptable

verb

(tr) to mark with an asterisk

Word Origin for asterisk

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

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