asterisk
UK[ˈæstərɪsk]US[ˈæstəˌrɪsk]
n
a symbol (*) used in writing and printing to refer the reader to a footnote or to represent omitted material.
v
to mark with an asterisk.
Morpheme Breakdown
aster
isk
aster
star
isk
diminutive suffix
Etymology
The word 'asterisk' has a direct and visually logical lineage from ancient Greek. It is derived from the Late Latin 'asteriscus', which itself originates from the Greek diminutive 'asteriskos', meaning 'little star'. This Greek term is a combination of 'astēr' (star) and the diminutive suffix '-iskos'. The semantic evolution is beautifully transparent: the symbol () was named for its resemblance to a small, starlike shape. This etymological journey from a celestial body to a typographical symbol demonstrates how a concrete, visual metaphor becomes standardized in written language.
Analysis
Structure: aster (star) + isk (diminutive suffix)
aster: From Greek 'astēr' (star). The morpheme functions as the core semantic root, conveying the concept of a star.
isk: A diminutive suffix of Greek origin, often appearing in English as '-isk' or '-iscus', indicating a small or imitative form.
Examples
An asterisk next to the price indicates that additional fees may apply.
The editor asked me to asterisk the terms that required a definition in the glossary.
His name was asterisked in the program because he was a last-minute replacement.