asterisk
UK: ˈæstərɪsk | US: ˈæstərɪsk
n. a symbol (*) used in writing or printing to indicate a footnote, omission, or other reference.
n. (computing) a wildcard character representing any sequence of characters in search patterns.
The word asterisk traces back to Greek asteriskos (little star), derived from astēr (star). The symbol (*) visually resembles a small star, aligning with its function as a marker or pointer—much like how stars guide navigation. Over time, it retained its form and purpose in writing and computing.
The footnote was marked with an asterisk for clarity.
In programming, an asterisk often denotes multiplication.
She added an asterisk to highlight the exception in the contract.
The search query used an asterisk as a wildcard.
Ancient manuscripts occasionally employed asterisks to indicate omissions.