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Asterism: meaning, definitions and examples

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asterism

 

[ˈæs.tə.rɪ.zəm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

astronomy

An asterism is a pattern of stars recognized in the sky. It is usually smaller than a constellation and may be part of a larger constellation.

Synonyms

star pattern, stellar configuration.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
asterism

Use 'asterism' in a scientific or astronomical context when referring to a recognizable pattern of stars that may not be an official constellation.

  • The Big Dipper is an asterism within the constellation Ursa Major.
  • Astronomers often use asterisms to help locate constellations in the night sky.
star pattern

Use 'star pattern' in everyday language to describe any visible arrangement or grouping of stars in the night sky.

  • We spent the night gazing at the beautiful star patterns.
  • Teach children about different star patterns to make stargazing more fun.
stellar configuration

Use 'stellar configuration' in a more formal or technical context to describe the specific arrangement and positions of stars, often in scientific discussions or astrological interpretations.

  • The stellar configuration during your birth may influence your astrological sign.
  • Scientists are studying the stellar configuration of the newly discovered galaxy.

Examples of usage

  • The Big Dipper is a well-known asterism in the constellation Ursa Major.
  • The Summer Triangle is another popular asterism visible in the night sky.
Context #2 | Noun

typography

In typography, an asterism is a symbol consisting of three asterisks placed in a triangle (∴). It is used to indicate a break in text or to highlight a particular section.

Synonyms

triplicate, triskele.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
asterism

In typography, an asterism is a rarely used symbol consisting of three asterisks arranged in a triangular formation. It is often used to indicate a break in the text.

  • The author used an asterism to indicate the passage of time between chapters.
  • The manuscript was filled with asterisms to denote significant shifts in the narrative.
triskele

A triskele is a symbol consisting of three interlocked spirals or legs. It is often found in Celtic art and has cultural and spiritual significance.

  • The ancient monument was adorned with carvings of the triskele.
  • She wore a necklace featuring a triskele, symbolizing unity and motion.
triplicate

This word describes something that is made in three identical copies. It is frequently used in administrative and formal documentation.

  • Please fill out this form in triplicate before submitting it.
  • The contract was signed in triplicate, with one copy for each party involved.

Examples of usage

  • The asterism is often used in dictionaries to mark the beginning of a new section.
  • You can use an asterism to separate different thoughts within a paragraph.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Greek 'asterismos', meaning 'starry', derived from 'aster', which means 'star'.
  • Used in astronomy since the 19th century, it signifies visible star groupings.
  • Asterism not only describes star patterns but also refers to the star-like optical phenomenon found in gemstones.

Cultural References

  • Different cultures have identified various asterisms, leading to a diverse range of star maps – for example, the Big Dipper and Orion’s Belt.
  • In ancient Chinese culture, specific asterisms were linked to myths and used for navigation, shaping agriculture and festivals.
  • Many constellations still celebrated today originated from ancient Greek and Roman interpretations of asterisms.

Science

  • Astronomers often classify asterisms as informal groupings that do not correspond to official constellations.
  • A unique example includes the Summer Triangle, which connects three bright stars from three different constellations.
  • Asterisms can help amateur astronomers locate official constellations and celestial objects in the night sky.

Art and Literature

  • Asterisms have inspired countless works of literature, including poetry, where they often symbolize guidance and dreams.
  • In artwork, various cultures have depicted celestial asterisms, imbuing them with cultural significance and mythology.
  • The patterns formed by stars have been a subject of fascination and interpretation in art history throughout the ages.

Psychology

  • The observation and identification of asterisms can spark creativity and inspire storytelling as people connect stars to narratives.
  • Psychologists suggest stargazing and finding asterisms can be a therapeutic activity, fostering mindfulness and connection with nature.
  • The innate human desire to seek patterns in the stars ties into cognitive psychology, illustrating our need to make sense of the world.

Translations

Translations of the word "asterism" in other languages:

🇵🇹 asterismo

🇮🇳 तारापुंज

🇩🇪 Asterismus

🇮🇩 asterisme

🇺🇦 астеризм

🇵🇱 asteryzm

🇯🇵 星群 (せいぐん)

🇫🇷 astérisme

🇪🇸 asterismo

🇹🇷 asterizm

🇰🇷 별자리

🇸🇦 تشكل النجوم

🇨🇿 asterismus

🇸🇰 asterizmus

🇨🇳 星群 (xīng qún)

🇸🇮 asterizem

🇮🇸 stjörnusamstæða

🇰🇿 жұлдыздар тобы

🇬🇪 ასტერიზმი

🇦🇿 asterizm

🇲🇽 asterismo

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,112, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.