Meaning

(astronomy) An unofficial constellation (small group of stars that forms a visible pattern)..

Definitions by Sense

1. (astronomy) An unofficial constellation (small group of stars that forms a visible pattern).
2. A rarely used typographical symbol of three asterisks arranged in a triangle, ⁂, used to call attention to a passage or to separate subchapters in a book. Distinct from a dinkus which also uses asterisks to separate.
3. (mineralogy) A star-shaped figure exhibited by some crystals by reflected light (as in a star sapphire) or by transmitted light (as in some mica).

Example Sentences

The Big Dipper, Summer Triangle, and Orion's Belt are asterisms.

Of the constellations, or asterisms. [...] It therefore became necessary to adopt a more general method of distinguishing them. This was accomplished by portioning out the heavens into imaginary figures, of men, birds, fishes, &c. called Constellations or Asterisms.

Like Pisces and Capricorn, Aquarius is located in that part of the sky known as "Astral Sea," a region inhabited by water asterisms such as Eridanus, Cetus (the Whale), and the Dolphin.

Word Forms

• asterisms

Synonyms for asterism

Related Words

When Should You Use Asterism?

Use asterism when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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