Asterism definitions and example sentences on Wordnik

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Definitions (10)

noun Printing Three asterisks in a triangular formation used to call attention to a following passage.
noun Astronomy A cluster of stars smaller than a constellation.
noun Mineralogy A six-rayed starlike figure optically produced in some crystal structures by reflected or transmitted light.

Big Dipper, the Summer Triangle is an asterism - a pattern of stars that is not one of the officially recognized 88 constellations. — Earth & Sky Podcast
You may put that in the marginal notes though, to prevent criticism--only mark it with a small asterism, and say, 'Jehu was formerly a hackney coachman LADY FROTH. — The Comedies of William Congreve Volume 1 [of 2]
[412] A similar superstition prevails in the Central Provinces about a man dying in the Mul Nakshatra or lunar asterism, which is perhaps the same or some similar period. — The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India Volume II
Mourning impurity The higher clans consider themselves impure for a period of 12 days after a birth, and if the birth falls in the Mul asterism or Nakshatra, for 27 days. — The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India - Volume IV of IV Kumhar-Yemkala
This asterism was confessedly first taken notice of by Perez or Perseus, by which is meant the Persians 810] Versaque ab axe suo Parrhasis Arctos erat In the east, where the worship of Arez greatly prevailed, there were to be found many nations called after this manner. — A New System; or, an Analysis of Antient Mythology. Volume II. (of VI.)