asterism|ˈæstərɪz(ə)m|[ad.Gr.ἀστερισµός a marking with stars, a constellation,f.ἀστήρ star: see -ism.]1.A group or cluster of stars; a constellation.1598ChapmanBl. Beggar Plays 1874, 12All set in number and in perfect form, Even like the Asterisms fix'd in heaven.1774J. BryantMythol.I. 341The zodiac, and its asterisms.1869DunkinMidn. Sky 151Cepheus was one of the old forty-eight asterisms.†2.loosely, A star, or anything shaped like one.1657ReeveGod's Plea 55Oh that Mercy is such a bright Star, and yet that we have neither observed the Asterism, nor, etc.1743tr.Heister'sSurg.19There are other[Compresses]again in the form of an Asterism.3.A group of three asterisks placed thus ({astm}) to direct attention to a particular passage. Rarely, a single asterisk (*) so used.1649G. DanielTrinarch. xvi,This full Quotation, by an Asterisme Set in the margent of a middle Page.1796MorseAmer.Geog.I. 193To which an asterism (*) is prefixed.1871RingwaltEncycl.Print.48Asterism, three asterisks placed in this manner[{astm}].4.Min.(Also inmod.L. form asterismus.) An appearance of light in the shape of a six-rayed star seen in some crystals, as in star sapphire.1879RutleyStud.Rocks x. 135This asterismus is due to the presence of included microliths or small crystals.