Asterisk facts for kids
An asterisk * is a small symbol or mark. It looks like a tiny star. That's why it's called an asterisk, which comes from a Greek word meaning "little star."
Sometimes, computer scientists and mathematicians call it a "star." For example, you might hear about the A* search algorithm, which is pronounced "A star."
Contents
What an Asterisk Looks Like
In most printed books and documents, an asterisk usually has five or six points. When people write it by hand, it often has six or eight points. It's a simple but useful mark!
How We Use Asterisks
Asterisks are used in many different ways. They can help us organize information or draw attention to something important.
Showing Missing Letters
Sometimes, an asterisk is used to replace letters in a word. This can happen when a word is considered rude or private. For example, you might see "f***" instead of the full word. This helps keep the text safe for everyone to read.
Correcting Spelling Online
On the internet, people sometimes use an asterisk to correct a mistake they made. If someone types a word wrong, they might type the correct word right after it with an asterisk. For example, "I went to the store to buy appls* apples." This shows they fixed their spelling.
Adding Notes or Footnotes
Asterisks are also used to add small notes to text. If you see an asterisk next to a word, it usually means there's more information at the bottom of the page or section. This extra information is called a footnote. It helps explain something in more detail without making the main text too long.
In Computer Science
In computer programming, the asterisk has many special meanings. It can be used for multiplication, like 5 * 3 = 15. It can also stand for "anything" or "all" in some computer commands. This makes it a very powerful symbol for coders.
In Games and Puzzles
You might also see asterisks in games or puzzles. For instance, in some word games, an asterisk can be a wild card. This means it can stand for any letter, helping you solve the puzzle.
Images for kids
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The asteriskos used in an early Greek papyrus.
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Early asterisks seen in the margin of Greek papyrus.
See also
In Spanish: Asterisco para niños
