What does an asterisk in a crossword clue mean

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[ as-tuh-risk ]

/ ˈæs tə rɪsk /

This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.

noun

a small starlike symbol (*), used in writing and printing as a reference mark or to indicate omission, doubtful matter, etc.

Linguistics. the figure of a star (*) used to mark an utterance that would be considered ungrammatical or otherwise unacceptable by native speakers of a language, as in * I enjoy to ski.

Historical Linguistics. the figure of a star (*) used to mark a hypothetical or reconstructed form that is not attested in a text or inscription.

something in the shape of a star or asterisk.

any factor or element that makes an otherwise outstanding achievement somewhat doubtful or less impressive: Two favorites were injured in practice, so his win comes with an asterisk attached.

a minor or insignificant person or thing: his unlikely rise from an asterisk in the polls to the winning candidate.

verb (used with object)

to mark with an asterisk.

Origin of asterisk

1350–1400; Middle English <Latin asteriscus<Greek asterískos, diminutive of astḗrstar

how to pronounce asterisk

While asterisk is usually said as [as-tuh-risk], /ˈæs tə rɪsk/, with the [s] /s/ in the final syllable preceding the [k], /k/, a metathesized pronunciation is also heard, in which the [s] /s/ and [k] /k/ change places producing [as-tuh-riks]. /ˈæs tə rɪks/. This pronunciation, resulting in part from analogy with plural forms like kicks and sticks, can sometimes lead to a false analysis of [as-tuh-riks] /ˈæs tə rɪks/ as a plural pronunciation, with a corresponding singular [as-tuh-rik]. /ˈæs tə rɪk/. The metathesized pronunciation, although occasionally heard among educated speakers, is usually considered nonstandard, as is the pronunciation of the singular form with no [s] /s/ in the final syllable.

Words related to asterisk

How to use asterisk in a sentence

• Worker unionization in the US rose to a four-year high at the end of 2020, but the statistic comes with an asterisk.

• That idea of an asterisk is a little silly to begin with, of course, and it might have been nice to have a bit more chaos in our sports.

• Somehow, after the dust settles on the chaos of 2020, we should remember it as the year of no asterisks — at least as far as its champions were concerned.

• The asterisk does not indicate whether the pollster itself is partisan, but whether the money that paid for the poll came from a partisan source.

• I think one is that we tell China, we’re going to add an asterisk after its name now, just the way we do after information that can’t be believed for sure.

• Keep the scare quotes around gay “marriage,” or at least put an asterisk after it.

• Hoist that big historical asterisk skyward and place it next to his name.

• In a year with less unrest economically, that would be an asterisk.

• But now, in the name of religion, some people want to add an asterisk.

• Instead of guessing, put an asterisk in the vacant spot and have the search engine figure it out for you.

• I have put an asterisk against the names of the colleges whose presidents are graduates of Oberlin.

• By the asterisk above mentioned the writer refers to a circle surrounded by rays, a sun symbol of male significance.

• There is a tendency to confine the asterisk to such cases, and to use the full stop for shorter ellipses.

• Most of these are recollected by Professor Cromwell and those with the asterisk are furnished by others.

• Page 2, added missing footnote reference (original text had footnote, but no matching asterisk).

noun

a star-shaped character (*) used in printing or writing to indicate a cross-reference to a footnote, an omission, etc

1. (in historical linguistics) this sign used to indicate an unattested reconstructed form
2. (in descriptive linguistics) this sign used to indicate that an expression is ungrammatical or in some other way unacceptable

verb

(tr) to mark with an asterisk