aster-, -aster, -astrous

1. A star-shaped structure seen during cell division.
2. A structure occurring in dividing cells, composed of microtubules (tubes made up of protein that are used to make structures involved in cellular movement) radiating from each pair of centrioles.
3. Any of various plants of the genus Aster in the composite family, having radiate flower heads with white, pink, or violet rays and a usually yellow disk.

In plant pathology, a viral disease of asters and other plants, transmitted by leafhoppers and characterized by yellowing and dwarfing.

A gemstone cut to show asterism or a star-shaped figure exhibited by some crystals by reflected light (as in a star sapphire) or by transmitted light (as in some mica).

Pertaining to stars: A starfish has a very asterial shape, for example.

A description of a crystal that reflects light in a star shape.

The point on the side of the skull where the lambdoid (a dense, fibrous connective tissue joint on the posterior aspect of the skull), parieto-mastoid (bony process off the base of the skull that is composed of air cells), and occipito-mastoid sutures (a visible, so-called craniometric, point on the exposed skull, just behind the ear, where three cranial sutures meet).

1. A small star-like symbol (*), used in writing and printing as a reference mark or to indicate omission, doubtful matter, etc.
2. In 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>* I enjoy to ski.
3. In historical linguistics, the figure of a star (*) used to mark a hypothetical or reconstructed form that is not confirmed in a text or inscription.
4. Something in the shape of a star or asterisk (*).

Marked with an asterisk (*).

1. In astronomy, a cluster of stars (or a small constellation).
2. In mineralogy, a six-rayed star-shaped figure seen in some crystal structures under reflected or transmitted light.
3. Etymology: from Greek asterismos, from asterizein, "to arrange in constellations"; from aster-, "star".

A reference to or relating to asterisms or constellations.

A statistic which requires further explanation or qualification, making it less valid.

A star stone.

1. Any of numerous small celestial bodies that revolve around the sun, with orbits lying chiefly between Mars and Jupiter and characteristic diameters between a few and several hundred kilometers.
2. Shaped like a star.

The region of the solar system between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter: Several minor planets are located in the asteroid belt, along Ceres, the dwarf planet.

A reference to a star-shaped object or objects.