| asterism |
| Definition:
A rarely used symbol consisting of three asterisks placed in a triangle. It is used to call attention to something (e.g., a sub-chapter
in a book).
Note: Often three consecutive asterisks or dots are substituted if the symbol itself isn't available. |
| Etymology: The word derives from the Latin aster, star. It initially denoted any grouping of stars (e.g., the Big Dipper). |
| Oxford English Dictionary: Its first citation in this sense is from 1649: "This full Quotation, by an Asterisme Set in the margent of a middle Page." (G. Daniel Trinarch. xvi) |