Asterisk
/ˈæs.tə.rɪsk/noun
A symbol (*) used to indicate a footnote or annotation.
Did you know?The asterisk comes from the Greek word 'asteriskos', which means 'little star', connecting it to ancient astrology and celestial symbolism.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀστερίσκος
“A small star.”
Late Latin
Latin
asteriscus
“A diminutive form of 'aster' meaning star.”
Old French
Old French
asterisque
“A star-shaped symbol.”
Middle English
Middle English
asterisk
“A symbol used in writing to refer to footnotes or annotations.”
Modern English
English
asterisk
“The symbol (*) used for footnotes, annotations, or as a wildcard.”