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asterism

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asterism

One entry found.

Main Entry: as·ter·ism

Pronunciation: \ˈas-tə-ˌri-zəm\

Function: noun

Etymology: Greek asterismos, from asterizein to arrange in constellations, from aster-, astēr

Date: 1598

1 a : constellation b : a small group of stars
2 : a star-shaped figure exhibited by some crystals by reflected light (as in a star sapphire) or by transmitted light (as in some mica)

Learn more about "asterism"

Learn more about "asterism" and related topics at Britannica.com

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