Search for crossword answers and clues
(astronomy) a cluster of stars (or a small constellation)
Answer for the clue "(astronomy) a cluster of stars (or a small constellation) ", 8 letters:
asterism
Alternative clues for the word asterism
Word definitions for asterism in dictionaries
Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
1590s, "a constellation, a group of stars," from Greek asterismos "a marking with stars," from aster "star" (see astro- ). Any grouping of stars, whether a constellation or not (though in modern use, usually the latter). The "Big Dipper" is an asterism, ...
Wikipedia
Word definitions in Wikipedia
In astronomy , an asterism is a pattern of stars recognized in the Earth 's night sky . It may be part of an official constellation or it may be composed of stars from more than one constellation. Colloquial usage does not draw a sharp distinction between ...
The Collaborative International Dictionary
Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Asterism \As`ter*ism\, n. [Gr. ?, fr. 'asth`r star; cf. F. ast['e]risme.] (Astron.) A constellation. [Obs.] A small cluster of stars. (Printing) An asterisk, or mark of reference. [R.] Three asterisks placed in this manner, [asterism], to direct ...
Wiktionary
Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. 1 (context constellation English) A small group of stars that forms a visible pattern but is not an official constellation. 2 A rarely used typographical symbol (⁂, three asterisks arranged in a triangle), used to call attention to a passage or to separate ...
Usage examples of asterism.
The belief that the stars were living beings, combining with the fancy of an unscientific time, gave rise to the stellar apotheosis of heroes and legendary names, and was the source of those numerous asterisms, out lined groups of stars, which still bedeck the skies and form the landmarks of celestial topography.
He tried to learn them, but they made even less sense than the three-thousand-year-old asterisms of the north.
This most attractive asterism, which has never ceased to fascinate the imagination of Christendom since it was first devoutly described by the early explorers of the South, is but a passing collocation of brilliant stars.