asterism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Literary
Quick answer
What does “asterism” mean?
A pattern of stars recognized in the night sky.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A pattern of stars recognized in the night sky.
1) A group of stars that form a pattern (like the Big Dipper) but is not an official constellation. 2) A star-shaped figure or pattern, especially a group of three asterisks (**⁂**) used in printing to direct attention or as a decorative device.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
None. The word is identically used and understood in both standard varieties.
Connotations
In astronomy, it is a neutral technical term; in printing/literature, it can carry a slightly archaic or scholarly connotation.
Frequency
Very low frequency in everyday speech. Slightly more common in UK literary contexts referring to the typographic symbol.
Grammar
How to Use “asterism” in a Sentence
[be] an asterism (of + NOUN)[recognize/identify] + asterism + [in the sky/in a constellation]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “asterism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in astronomy, astrophysics, and sometimes in literary studies or history of printing.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used by amateur astronomers.
Technical
Primary domain. Precise term in astronomy for informal star patterns and in typography for the **⁂ symbol.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “asterism”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “asterism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “asterism”
- Confusing it with 'asterisk' (a single *).
- Using it interchangeably with 'constellation' (which is an officially defined region).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The Big Dipper is an asterism. It is a prominent pattern within the larger, officially recognized constellation Ursa Major (the Great Bear).
An asterism (**⁂**) is a typographical symbol of three asterisks used as a reference mark or section divider. An asterisk (*) is a single star-shaped symbol used for footnotes or emphasis.
It is highly unlikely and would sound very technical or pedantic. In everyday conversation, you would say 'star pattern' or simply refer to it by its common name (e.g., 'the Big Dipper').
Yes. The Southern Cross is a famous asterism that is part of the constellation Crux. The 'Teapot' in Sagittarius is another example visible from both hemispheres.
A pattern of stars recognized in the night sky.
Asterism is usually technical/literary in register.
Asterism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæstərɪzəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæstəˌrɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ASTERism' sounds like 'ASTERisk' and 'star'—it's a star-like pattern or a group of star symbols.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONNECTEDNESS IS A PATTERN (stars are connected in the mind to form a figure).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'asterism' in astronomy?