ASTEL
As"tel, n. Etym: [OE. astelle piece of wood, OF. astele splinter,
shaving, F. attelle, astelle: cf. L. astula, dim. of assis board.]
(Mining)
Defn: An arch, or ceiling, of boards, placed over the men's heads in a mine.
ASTER
As"ter, n. Etym: [L. aster aster, star, Gr. Star.]
1. (Bot.)
Defn: A genus of herbs with compound white or bluish flowers; starwort; Michaelmas daisy.
2. (Floriculture)
Defn: A plant of the genus Callistephus. Many varieties (called China asters, German asters, etc.) are cultivated for their handsome compound flowers.
ASTERIAS
As*te"ri*as, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A genus of echinoderms.
Note: Formerly the group of this name included nearly all starfishes and ophiurans. Now it is restricted to a genus including the commonest shore starfishes.