ASTERISK Definition & Meaning

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asterisk

[ as-tuh-risk ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a small starlike symbol (*), used in writing and printing as a reference mark or to indicate omission, doubtful matter, etc.
Linguistics. the figure of a star (*) used to mark an utterance that would be considered ungrammatical or otherwise unacceptable by native speakers of a language, as in
* I enjoy to ski.
Historical Linguistics. the figure of a star (*) used to mark a hypothetical or reconstructed form that is not attested in a text or inscription.
something in the shape of a star or asterisk.
any factor or element that makes an otherwise outstanding achievement somewhat doubtful or less impressive:
Two favorites were injured in practice, so his win comes with an asterisk attached.
a minor or insignificant person or thing:
his unlikely rise from an asterisk in the polls to the winning candidate.

verb (used with object)

to mark with an asterisk.

asterisk

/ ˈæ��ə��ɪ�� /

noun

a star-shaped character (*) used in printing or writing to indicate a cross-reference to a footnote, an omission, etc
1. (in historical linguistics) this sign used to indicate an unattested reconstructed form
2. (in descriptive linguistics) this sign used to indicate that an expression is ungrammatical or in some other way unacceptable

verb

tr to mark with an asterisk

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Pronunciation Note

While asterisk is usually said as [as, -t, uh, -risk], with the [s] in the final syllable preceding the [k], a metathesized pronunciation is also heard, in which the [s] and [k] change places producing [as, -t, uh, -riks]. This pronunciation, resulting in part from analogy with plural forms like kicks and sticks, can sometimes lead to a false analysis of [as, -t, uh, -riks] as a plural pronunciation, with a corresponding singular [as, -t, uh, -rik]. The metathesized pronunciation, although occasionally heard among educated speakers, is usually considered nonstandard, as is the pronunciation of the singular form with no [s] in the final syllable.

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of asterisk¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin asteriscus < Greek ��ٱ��í��ǲ�, diminutive of ��ḗr star none

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of asterisk¹

C17: from Late Latin asteriscus a small star, from Greek asteriskos, from ��ŧ�� star

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

What everyone really wants to know, however, is what the asterisk is all about...

From

So why are all the entertainment industry trades putting an asterisk on its success?

From

That means that almost everything the team does before its entire roster reports for fall training camp could deserve an asterisk.

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To praise even its music or its famous artworks often comes with a massive, Spanish Inquisition-sized asterisk.

From

“I’m sure there’s no asterisk on this one,” he said at the time, adding, “This is something I really wanted, I wanted this one.”

From

asteriated asterism

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