Lexic.us

Definition of Asterism

1. Noun. (mineralogy) a star-shaped figure with six rays that is seen in some crystal structures under reflected or transmitted light.

2. Noun. (astronomy) a cluster of stars (or a small constellation).

Definition of Asterism

1. n. A constellation.

Definition of Asterism

1. Noun. (constellation) A small group of stars that forms a visible pattern but is not an official constellation. ¹

2. Noun. A rarely used typographical symbol (?, three asterisks arranged in a triangle), used to call attention to a passage or to separate sub-chapters in a book. ¹

3. Noun. (minerology) A star-shaped figure exhibited by some crystals by reflected light (as in a star sapphire) or by transmitted light (as in some mica). ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Asterism

1. a property of certain minerals of showing a starlike luminous figure [n -S]

Medical Definition of Asterism

1. 1. A constellation. A small cluster of stars. 2. An asterisk, or mark of reference. Three asterisks placed in this manner, An optical property of some crystals which exhibit a star-shaped by reflected light, as star sapphire, or by transmitted light, as some mica. Origin: Gr, fr. Star; cf. F. Asterisme. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Asterism

asteridea asteridian asterids asterion asteriosaponins asteriotoxins asterisc asterisci asteriscs asteriscus

asterisk asterisked asterisking asteriskless asterisks asterism (current term) asterismal asterisms asterixis astern

astern of asternal asteroid asteroid belt asteroid belts asteroid body asteroid hyalosis asteroidal asteroidian

Literary usage of Asterism

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. A Dictionary, Hindustani & English: Accompanied by a Reversed Dictionary by Duncan Forbes (1858)
"... and fasting three days more ; a particular sacrifice performed before appointing a daughter to raise issue in default of male heirs ; the asterism ..."

2. An Arabic-English Lexicon: Derived from the Best and the Most Copious by Edward William Lane (1893)
"[I seems tliat»U is used in both these senses because the star or asterism appears as though it were nearly overcome by the glimmer of the dawn. ..."

3. Researches Into the Origin of the Primitive Constellations of the Greeks by Robert Brown (1900)
"The asterism the Lordly-city.' This is the first line of the Rev. of the Tablet, ... XXX. we see that a star, asterism or constellation had frequently more ..."

4. An English Grammar Conformed to Present Usage: With an Objective Method of by Alfred Holbrook (1873)
"... The Section (§ ) The Index ( S&" ) The asterism (***) or (***) These marks are often doubled. Letters and figures are also used for reference. 994. 4. ..."

5. The Brihat Jataka of Varaha Mihira by Varāhamihira, N. C. Iyer (1885)
"other men, of bright appearance and of wide-spread fame. A person born when the Moon passes through the asterism of Rohini will be truthful, will not covet ..."

6. The Hindú Home-life by Kaccoo Mal Manucha (1890)
"Nakshatra or asterism.—Nakshatras, lunar mansions or asterisms, are believed to affect the destiny of man, and consequently a horoscope of every child is ..."

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