First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1asterisk
noun as·ter·isk \ˈas-tə-ˌrisk, especially in plural also ÷-ˌrik\
: a symbol * that is used in printed text especially to tell someone to read a note that can be found at the bottom of a page
Full Definition of ASTERISK
: the character * used in printing or writing as a reference mark, as an indication of the omission of letters or words, to denote a hypothetical or unattested linguistic form, or for various arbitrary meanings
— as·ter·isk·less \-ləs\ adjective
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Origin of ASTERISK
Middle English, astarisc, from Late Latin asteriscus, from Greek asteriskos, literally, little star, diminutive of aster-, astēr
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
Rhymes with ASTERISK
2asterisk
verb
Definition of ASTERISK
transitive verb
: to mark with an asterisk : star
First Known Use of ASTERISK
circa 1733
ASTERISK Defined for Kids
asterisk
noun as·ter·isk \ˈa-stə-ˌrisk\
Definition of ASTERISK for Kids
: a symbol * used in printing or in writing especially to refer a reader to a note usually at the bottom of a page
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