Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Asterism
Asˊter-ism
,Noun.
[Gr. [GREEK], fr.
ἀστήρ
star; cf. F. astérisme
.] 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, ⁂, 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 1828 Edition
Asterism
AS'TERISM
,Noun.
1.
A constellation; a sign in the zodiac.The figures of the twelve asterisms.
2.
An asterisk, or mark of reference. [This is less proper.]