/as"teuh risk/ , n.
1. a small starlike symbol (*), used in writing and printing as a reference mark or to indicate omission, doubtful matter, etc.
2. Ling. the figure of a star (*) used to mark utterance that would be considered ungrammatical or otherwise unacceptable by native speakers of a language, as in * I enjoy to ski.
3. Historical Ling. the figure of a star (*) used to mark a hypothetical or reconstructed form that is not attested in a text or inscription.
4. something in the shape of a star or asterisk.
v.t.
5. to mark with an asterisk.
[ 1350-1400; ME asteriscus asterískos, dim. of astér STAR ]
Pronunciation . While ASTERISK is usually said as /as"teuh risk/ , with the final syllable preceding the /k/ , a metathesized pronunciation is also heard, in which the /s/ and /k/ change places producing /as"teuh riks/ . This pronunciation, resulting in part from analogy with plural forms like kicks and sticks, can sometimes lead to a false analysis of /as"teuh riks/ as a plural pronunciation, with a corresponding singular /as"teuh rik/ . The metathesized pronunciation, although occasionally heard among educated speakers, is usually considered nonstandard, as is the pronunciation with no /s/ in the final syllable.