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

All that may sound like the kind of history that gets an asterisk behind it.

From Los Angeles Times

For four years now, he and the Dodgers have heard about how their 2020 championship, in a pandemic-shortened season, necessitated an asterisk, or some other form of punctuation.

From Los Angeles Times

The Democratic push for early voting, in contrast, is full-throated, with no asterisks.

From Los Angeles Times

Bianco said he was identifying the suspect as Miller “with an asterisk” because he possessed identification with multiple names.

From Los Angeles Times

The beauty pageant sits in that joy and ecstasy phase, but with an asterisk, because I’m still complicating the idea of the beauty pageant through using mixed-race contestants.

From Los Angeles Times