As`ter*ism (#), n. [Gr. , fr. star; cf. F. ast'erisme.] 1. Astron. (a) A constellation. [Obs.] (b) A small cluster of stars.
2. Printing (a) An asterisk, or mark of reference. [R.] (b) Three asterisks placed in this manner, &asterism;, to direct attention to a particular passage.
3. Crystallog. An optical property of some crystals which exhibit a star-shaped by reflected light, as star sapphire, or by transmitted light, as some mica.
© Webster 1913. | 
