asterism

[ as-tuh-riz-uhm ]

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.

asterism

/ 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

Other Words From

• aster·ismal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of asterism¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of asterism¹

C16: from Greek asterismos arrangement of constellations, from astēr star

Example Sentences

Ursa Major, also known as the Great Bear, is one of the most prominent northern constellations, and its main claim to fame is that it contains the Big Dipper, a highly recognizable asterism.

From National Geographic

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

From Scientific American

“And,” Hubert continued, “for the dimwit in the audience, an asterism is a prominent pattern or group of stars.”

From Literature

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