plural asterisks
Definition of asterisk
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: the character * used in printing or writing as a reference mark, as an indication of the omission of letters or words, to denote a hypothetical or unattested linguistic form, or for various arbitrary meanings
2
: the character * thought of as being appended to something (such as an athletic accomplishment included in a record book) typically in order to indicate that there is a limiting fact or consideration which makes that thing less important or impressive than it would otherwise be
But the men's triumph came with an asterisk: The Soviets, three-time gold medalists, had boycotted the Games.— Brad Young
3
: someone or something considered too minor for prominent mention : footnote
At fifty-four, he had followed war from the hills of Italy to the islands of the Pacific to the mountains of Korea, and countless other places already becoming asterisks in the history books.— William Prochnau
asterisk
verb
asterisked; asterisking; asterisks
Definition of asterisk (Entry 2 of 2)
: to mark with an asterisk : star
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Time Traveler for asterisk
The first known use of asterisk was in 1612
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