-ˌrizəm noun
( -s )
Etymology: Greek asterismos, from asterizein to arrange in constellations, from aster-, astēr, star + -izein -ize
1.
a. : constellation
b. : a small group of stars
2. : the optical phenomenon of a star-shaped figure exhibited by some crystals by reflected light (as in a star sapphire) or by transmitted light (as in some mica)
3. : three asterisks arranged in the form of an inverted or upright pyramid (as ? or ⁂) especially in order to direct attention to a following passage