asterism — English Dictionary

Noun

1. An unofficial constellation (small group of stars that forms a visible pattern).

   Synonyms

   star cluster

   Examples

   The Big Dipper, Summer Triangle, and Orion's Belt are asterisms.

   More examples (2)

   Of the constellations, or asterisms. [...] It therefore became necessary to adopt a more general method of distinguishing them. This was accomplished by portioning out the heavens into imaginary figures, of men, birds, fishes, &c. called Constellations or Asterisms.

   Like Pisces and Capricorn, Aquarius is located in that part of the sky known as "Astral Sea," a region inhabited by water asterisms such as Eridanus, Cetus (the Whale), and the Dolphin.

2. A rarely used typographical symbol of three asterisks arranged in a triangle, ⁂, used to call attention to a passage or to separate subchapters in a book. Distinct from a dinkus which also uses asterisks to separate.

3. A star-shaped figure exhibited by some crystals by reflected light (as in a star sapphire) or by transmitted light (as in some mica).

Noun

1. (mineralogy) a star-shaped figure with six rays that is seen in some crystal structures under reflected or transmitted light

   Broader terms

   star

2. (astronomy) a cluster of stars (or a small constellation)

   Broader terms

   natural object