asterism

A noun referring to a star-shaped figure visible in some crystals, or a group of stars forming a pattern in the sky.

• 🇩🇪Substantiv, das eine sternförmige Figur bezeichnet, die in manchen Kristallen sichtbar ist, oder eine Gruppe von Sternen, die ein Muster am Himmel bildet.

1. Star-shaped figure in minerals C2 formal scientific

   A star-shaped figure with six rays that is seen in some crystal structures under reflected or transmitted light.

   • The sapphire displayed a beautiful asterism when held up to the light.
   • Mineralogists often study asterism in gemstones like star rubies.
   • The asterism in the crystal was clearly visible under a microscope.

   🇩🇪Asterismus

2. Cluster of stars C2 formal scientific

   A cluster of stars or a small constellation, often used to describe a recognizable pattern of stars that is not an official constellation.

   • The Big Dipper is a well-known asterism in the northern sky.
   • Amateur astronomers often look for the Summer Triangle asterism.
   • The asterism known as the Teapot is part of the constellation Sagittarius.

   🇩🇪Asterismus

   Synonyme: constellation

• asterisms plural form
• asterisms' possessive plural form
• asterism's possessive singular form