ASTERISM

asterism. Asterism, n. a set or constellation of fixed stars

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As′ter‐ism (�), n. [[Gr. �, fr. αστἤρ star; cf. F. astérisme.]] 1. 1. (Astron.) (a) A constellation. (b) A small cluster of stars.
2. 2. (Printing) (a) An asterisk, or mark of reference. (b) Three asterisks placed in this manner, ⁂, to direct attention to a particular passage.
3. 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.