asterism

as·ter·ism  (st-rzm)

n.

1. Printing Three asterisks in a triangular formation used to call attention to a following passage.

2. Astronomy A cluster of stars smaller than a constellation.

3. Mineralogy A six-rayed starlike figure optically produced in some crystal structures by reflected or transmitted light.

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[Greek asterismos, constellation, from astr, star; see ster-³ in Indo-European roots.]

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aster·ismal adj.

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asterism  (st-rzm)

A conspicuous star pattern that is not recognized as a constellation. Asterisms may constitute a part of a larger constellation, as in the case of the seven stars in Ursa Major that make up the Big Dipper, or they may be formed of individual stars in several different constellations, as in the case of the Summer Triangle, made up of Deneb (in Cygnus), Altair (in Aquila), and Vega (in Lyra).

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asterism

Rare. a constellation or small group of unrelated stars. — asterismal, adj.

See also: Astronomy

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	asterism - (mineralogy) a star-shaped figure with six rays that is seen in some crystal structures under reflected or transmitted light mineralogy - the branch of geology that studies minerals: their structure and properties and the ways of distinguishing them star - a plane figure with 5 or more points; often used as an emblem
	2.	asterism - (astronomy) a cluster of stars (or a small constellation) natural object - an object occurring naturally; not made by man astronomy, uranology - the branch of physics that studies celestial bodies and the universe as a whole constellation - a configuration of stars as seen from the earth