/ ˈæstərɪsk; NAmE / noun
the symbol ( * ) placed next to a particular word or phrase to make people notice it or to show that more information is given in another place :
I've placed an asterisk next to the tasks I want you to do first.
► as·ter·isk verb :
[ vn ]
I've asterisked the tasks I want you to do first.
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : via late Latin from Greek asteriskos small star, diminutive of astēr .