The correct spelling for the plural form of asterisk, a symbol used to indicate a footnote or to censor words, is "asterisks" /ˈæstərɪsks/. The word is spelled with a single "k" at the end, despite the similar sound of the ending with "x." This is because the word comes from Greek, where the plural form of the word "aster" (meaning "star") ends in "iskoi." Therefore, the "isk" ending is retained in English when forming the plural of "asterisk."
Asterisks, denoted by the symbol "*", are typographical symbols primarily used for various purposes in writing and printing. These small, star-like symbols find their applications in several contexts, serving as powerful tools for clarification, emphasis, or reference.
In writing, asterisks are commonly used to denote footnotes or endnotes, indicated at the bottom of a page or the end of a document, respectively. The asterisk acts as a marker, directing readers to additional information or explanatory notes related to the main text. Additionally, asterisks can be used in bibliographies or reference lists to indicate particular sources or works of importance.
Furthermore, asterisks are employed to highlight or draw attention to specific words, sentences, or paragraphs within a text. This usage aids in emphasizing certain aspects, such as key points, important details, or significant statements. It serves as a visual cue, guiding readers towards essential information that deserves extra consideration.
Asterisks are also employed as indicators of omissions or deletions, particularly in quotations or excerpts. By inserting an asterisk where a word or phrase has been eliminated, the reader is alerted to missing content. This practice maintains accuracy and transparency when quoting original sources while condensing or focusing on relevant portions.
In conclusion, asterisks are versatile symbols used in writing and printing to fulfill a range of purposes. Whether clarifying, highlighting, or signifying omissions, these tiny star-shaped characters offer valuable visual cues and guidance to readers, enhancing comprehension and facilitating effective communication.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "asterisk" originated from the Latin word "asteriscus", which was taken from the Greek word "asteriskos". Both of these words have the same meaning, which is "a small star". "Asteriskos" is derived from the Greek word "aster", meaning "star". The word "asterisk" was initially introduced in English in the late 16th century as a term for the small star-shaped symbol (*) used to highlight or indicate a footnote or omission in writing.