asterisk

Pluralasterisks

Formsasterisks, asterisking, asterisked

1. 1
   nouncountable

   The star-shaped mark * used in writing, often to point readers to a note at the bottom of a page.

   Like a little star you draw to say 'look here for more.'

   She put an asterisk next to the word so readers would check the note below.

   The Hôtels marked with one asterisc are Restaurants also. Those marked with two asteriscs have Table d'Hôte.

   1869, “Notices Useful to the Foreigner”, in One Week at Venice: Illustrated Guide for Visiting Every Thing Worthy of ConsiderationHere, asterisc means the star symbol * printed beside a hotel's name.

   Similarstar

   Note
2. 2
   verbtransitive

   To put a star-shaped * mark on a word or name, often to point to a note.

   Like drawing a little star next to something so it stands out.

   The editor asterisked every name that still needed checking.

   Please asterisk the items you want to order.

   Similarstar, flag, mark

   Note
3. 3
   nounfigurativelyUScountable

   A small flaw that takes some of the shine off a great success.

   Like a small stain on a brand-new white shirt.

   Many fans feel the cheating scandal puts an asterisk on the team's title.

   His world record will always carry an asterisk because of the strong wind that day.

   Similarblemish, stain, blot, taint, caveat

   Note
4. 4
   nounfigurativelycountable

   Something small or unimportant, a minor side note that few people notice.

   Like a tiny note in the corner that most people skip.

   In the end, his short time as mayor was just an asterisk in the town's history.

   I don't want to be an asterisk in my kids' lives. I don't want to be just some guy who sporadically appears and then disappears again.

   2016, Charles [Wesley] Marshall, “More SkyMiles, Less Family”Here, asterisk means someone unimportant, just a small footnote in his kids' lives.

   Similarfootnote, sideshow

   Note
5. 5
   nouncountable

   Something shaped like the star symbol *, with arms spreading out from a center.

   Like a star with lines coming out from the middle.

   The crack in the windshield spread out like an asterisk from the point of impact.

   Using a crafting knife, cut a small asterisk shape in the center of each black circle. Gently pierce each asterisk with a wooden skewer to make a hole. Once done, simply insert your stove knobs, and you're almost ready!

   2016, Courtney Sanchez, “Retro Stove”Here, asterisk means a small star-shaped cut with lines spreading from the center.

   Similarstar

6. 6
   nouncountable

   A metal frame with star-shaped arms, set over the holy bread in a church service to keep the cloth from touching it.

   Like a small folding stand that holds a cloth up off the bread.

   The priest placed the asterisk over the bread before covering it with the veil.

   A small golden asterisk rested above the holy bread on the altar.

   Note

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