asteria

noun

as·​te·​ria a-ˈstir-ē-ə How to pronounce asteria (audio)
: a gemstone cut to show asterism

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin, "a precious stone, perhaps a star sapphire," borrowed from Greek astería, feminine of astérios "of a star, full of stars, starry," adjective derivative of aster-, astḗr "star" — more at star entry 1

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of asteria was in 1816

Dictionary Entries Near asteria

Cite this Entry

“Asteria.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asteria. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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