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Asterisk: meaning, definitions and examples

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asterisk

 

[ ˈæs.tər.ɪsk ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

symbol usage

An asterisk is a typographical symbol that resembles a star and is used in various contexts, such as to denote footnotes or omissions in text. It is commonly used in mathematics and programming to represent multiplication. In computing, an asterisk may also serve as a wildcard character, matching any sequence of characters in search operations. Its shape and versatility make it a frequently employed symbol in writing and technical fields.

Synonyms

footnote indicator, star, wildcard

Examples of usage

  • Please refer to footnote * for more details.
  • You can use the asterisk in a search query to find all variations of a term.
  • In programming, the asterisk signifies a multiplication operation.

Translations

Translations of the word "asterisk" in other languages:

🇵🇹 asterisco

🇮🇳 तारा चिह्न

🇩🇪 Sternchen

🇮🇩 bintang

🇺🇦 зірочка

🇵🇱 gwiazdka

🇯🇵 アスタリスク

🇫🇷 astérisque

🇪🇸 asterisco

🇹🇷 yıldız

🇰🇷 별표

🇸🇦 نجمة

🇨🇿 hvězdička

🇸🇰 hviezdička

🇨🇳 星号

🇸🇮 zvezdica

🇮🇸 stjarna

🇰🇿 жұлдызша

🇬🇪 ვარსკვლავი

🇦🇿 ulduz

🇲🇽 asterisco

Etymology

The word 'asterisk' originates from the Greek word 'asteriskos', meaning 'little star'. The term was adopted into Middle English in the late 14th century through Latin. Historically, the asterisk has been used since ancient times for various purposes, including annotation, correction, and to denote special meanings in texts. Its star-like appearance led to its name, symbolizing its function as a marker or indicator. The asterisk has evolved in its usage, particularly in the digital age, where it serves crucial roles in programming languages and data manipulation, reflecting the changing nature of communication and technology.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,105, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.