Asterisk

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈæstəɹɪsk/

Definitions

  1. A small star-shaped symbol (*) used in writing to mark a footnote, omission, or special notation, or to indicate that something requires attention or verification
  2. A symbol shaped like a star employed primarily in written text for referencing footnotes, marking omissions, or emphasizing noteworthy information
  3. A star-like character utilized in written language to denote footnotes, omissions, or to highlight important points and situations

Etymology: The little star-shaped symbol used to mark footnotes and corrections has a name that traces back to ancient Greek. Derived from the Greek word "asteriskos," meaning "little star," this term captures the shape of the symbol perfectly. In Greek, "aster" means "star," and the diminutive suffix "-iskos" turns it into a smaller or more affectionate form, emphasizing the tiny, star-like appearance. Its journey into English began through Latin and then Old French, where the symbol was employed in manuscripts to call attention to marginal notes or to indicate omissions. By the late medieval and early modern periods, the symbol had become a standard editorial tool in European texts, and the word itself entered English usage around the 16th century, directly referring to this typographical mark. The symbol's function evolved alongside printing technology, serving not only as a navigational aid in scholarly work but also as a means to soften or censor language in print, or to highlight special information. Its shape, simple yet distinctive, made it ideal for these tasks, and it has persisted in digital typography as a universal marker with a variety of uses, from bullet points to wildcards in computing. Though the shape is universally recognized, the name remains a linguistic reminder of its classical roots, linking a tiny star in the sky to a tiny star on the page. The term carries this celestial heritage quietly into everyday reading and writing, a small emblem with a long history.

Synonyms: star, symbol, mark, indication, notation