asterisk
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as·ter·isk
(ăs′tə-rĭsk′)n.
1. A star-shaped figure (*) used chiefly to indicate an omission, a reference to a footnote, or an unattested word, sound, or affix.
2. Mathematics A symbol used to indicate multiplication, as in 2 * 3 = 6.
tr.v. as·ter·isked, as·ter·isk·ing, as·ter·isks
To mark with an asterisk.
[Middle English, from Late Latin asteriscus, from Greek asteriskos, diminutive of astēr, star; see ster- in Indo-European roots.]
asterisk
(ˈæstərɪsk)n
1. (Printing, Lithography & Bookbinding) a star-shaped character (*) used in printing or writing to indicate a cross-reference to a footnote, an omission, etc
2. (Linguistics)
a. (in historical linguistics) this sign used to indicate an unattested reconstructed form
b. (in descriptive linguistics) this sign used to indicate that an expression is ungrammatical or in some other way unacceptable
vb
3. (Printing, Lithography & Bookbinding) (tr) to mark with an asterisk
[C17: from Late Latin asteriscus a small star, from Greek asteriskos, from astēr star]
as•ter•isk
(ˈæs tə rɪsk)n.
1. a small starlike symbol (*), used in writing and printing as a reference mark or to indicate omission, doubtful matter, etc.
2. this symbol used in linguistics to mark an ungrammatical or otherwise unacceptable utterance.
v.t. 3. to mark with an asterisk.
[1350–1400; Middle English < Latin asteriscus < Greek asterískos, diminutive of astḗr star]
pron: While the final syllable of asterisk is usu. pronounced (-rɪsk) with the (s) preceding the (k), a metathesized pronunciation of the word, in which the (s) and (k) change places to produce (ˈæs tə rɪks) is also heard. This pronunciation is sometimes falsely analyzed as a plural, with a corresponding singular (ˈæs tə rɪk) Both (ˈæs tə rɪks) and (ˈæs tə rɪk) although occasionally heard among educated speakers, are considered nonstandard pronunciations.
asterisk
Past participle: asterisked
Gerund: asterisking
| Imperative |
|---|
| asterisk |
| asterisk |
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
| Noun | 1. |  asterisk - a star-shaped character * used in printinggrapheme, graphic symbol, character - a written symbol that is used to represent speech; "the Greek alphabet has 24 characters" |
| Verb | 1. | asterisk - mark with an asterisk; "Linguists star unacceptable sentences" mark - make or leave a mark on; "the scouts marked the trail"; "ash marked the believers' foreheads" |
Translations
asterisk
(ˈӕstərisk) noun a star-shaped mark (*) used in printing to draw attention to a note etc.