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.