asterism

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun (mineralogy) a star-shaped figure with six rays that is seen in some crystal structures under reflected or transmitted light
  2. noun (astronomy) a cluster of stars (or a small constellation)

Etymology

From Ancient Greek ἀστερισμός (asterismós, “a group of stars”), from ἀστήρ (astḗr, “star”). Analyzable as aster- + -ism.

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