Asterism

created by Webster 1913
(thing) by Pseudo_Intellectual (7.1 hr) (print)   ?   (I like it!) Mon Mar 27 2000 at 21:53:48
A frequently-famous but officially unrecognized group of stars - the well-known Big Dipper is not a constellation but (as an element of Ursa Major) an asterism.
(thing) by Segnbora-t (3.7 hr) (print)   ?   (I like it!) Mon Mar 27 2000 at 23:32:56
When impurities (inclusions) in a gemstone line up with the crystal structure of the stone in such a way as to make an asterisk shape show up in a different color against the main color of the stone. "Star" gems (such as star sapphires) are usually cut as cabochons rather than faceted. Related to chatoyancy and aventurescence.
(definition) by Webster 1913 (print) Tue Dec 21 1999 at 21:56:21

As`ter*ism (#), n. [Gr. , fr. star; cf. F. ast'erisme.]

1. Astron. (a)

A constellation.

[Obs.] (b)

A small cluster of stars.

2. Printing (a)

An asterisk, or mark of reference.

[R.] (b)

Three asterisks placed in this manner, &asterism;, to direct attention to a particular passage.

3. Crystallog.

An optical property of some crystals which exhibit a star-shaped by reflected light, as star sapphire, or by transmitted light, as some mica.

 

© Webster 1913.

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