noun
asterisk
AS-tuh-rihsk
noun
1
The star-shaped symbol (*) used in writing to mark a footnote, show an omission, or flag something as an exception.
"The price came with an asterisk pointing to the terms and conditions."
"He starred the winning record with an asterisk because of the shortened season."
verb
1
To mark something with an asterisk.
"The editor asterisked every unconfirmed fact in the draft."
How to Use Asterisk
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe little star symbol (*) used to flag a footnote, exception, or qualification.
Common mistake
In sports and record-keeping, "put an asterisk on it" figuratively means to cast doubt on an achievement (e.g., because of doping or unusual circumstances) — not just a literal typographic mark.
Common pairings
put an asterisk on
marked with an asterisk
Word Forms
asterisked past tense, asterisks plural, asterisks singular
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The price came with an _____ pointing to the terms and conditions.
Etymology
From Late Latin asteriscus, "little star," from Greek asterískos, a diminutive of astḗr ("star").