Defn: The smaller of the two otoliths found in the inner ear of many fishes.
ASTERISK
As"ter*isk, n. Etym: [L. asteriscus, Gr. Aster.]
Defn: The figure of a star, thus,
ASTERISM
As`ter*ism, n. Etym: [Gr. astérisme.]
1. (Astron.) (a) A constellation. [Obs.] (b) A small cluster of stars.
2. (Printing) (a) An asterisk, or mark of reference. [R.] (b) Three asterisks placed in this manner, *, to direct attention to a particular passage.
3. (Crystallog.)
Defn: An optical property of some crystals which exhibit a star- shaped by reflected light, as star sapphire, or by transmitted light, as some mica.
ASTERN
A*stern", adv. Etym: [Pref. a- + stern.] (Naut.)
1. In or at the hinder part of a ship; toward the hinder part, or stern; backward; as, to go astern.