asterisk
UK/'æstərɪsk/US/'æstәrisk/
GREC2
Definitions
n.
The star-shaped symbol (*) used to mark a note, omission, or footnote
星号（*）
v.
To mark something with an asterisk
用星号标注
Root Breakdown
Native Englishaster (star) + -isk (Greek diminutive -iskos, 'little') = 'little star.' Scribes drew a tiny star in the margin to flag a note or a missing line, and the name stuck to the * symbol.
Root aster still carries 34 more wordsWhy It Means This
The asterisk is literally a small star written into text. The same -isk diminutive that shrinks 'star' into 'little star' also gives obelisk a nickname feel; here it leaves us with the most star-faithful member of the family — a symbol whose very name still says 'tiny star.'
Common Collocations
- 1.asterisk notation星号标记
- 2.asterisk mark星号
- 3.asterisk symbol星号符号
Example Sentences
- 1.
Items marked with an asterisk are required fields.
- 2.
The record stands, though some fans want it asterisked.