Asterisked: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term derives from the Greek word 'asteriskos', meaning 'little star', reflecting the shape of the symbol.
• The asterisk has been used in writing since the 11th century, originally to mark omissions in texts.
• The symbol became prominent in printing and typesetting, serving various roles in academic and scholarly work.

Typing and Technology

• In computer programming, an asterisk is often used as a wildcard character that represents one or more characters in searches.
• Asterisks are commonly used in password creation to indicate where letters are hidden for security.
• In some software and applications, it can denote footnotes, linking additional information or citations to particular parts of the text.

Literature and Writing

• Writers often use asterisks to indicate a break in a text or a change in scene, much like a visual cue to the reader.
• In academic writing, stars are frequently employed to reference footnotes, providing clarity and additional context without disrupting the main flow of writing.
• Certain poetry styles may utilize an asterisk to signify a pause or emphasis, enhancing the rhythmic structure.

Pop Culture

• Asterisks appear regularly in modern memes and internet slang, symbolizing a correction or clarification, often humorously.
• In popular apps and games, players may encounter system notifications marked with asterisks, indicating achievements or important in-game messages.
• In television and film, asterisks might be featured in a comedic context when characters reference things they can't say directly, using the symbol to imply what's being left unsaid.