Asterisk

Like the obelisk, the asterisk is an ancient, multi-purpose typographical symbol used in science and literature. Its many uses include being a multiplication symbol, a reference mark for a footnote, a wildcard, a symbol denoting emphasis, a mask for keyed-in passwords, bullet points, or simply decoration.

Like the Christian cross or a Rorschach Inkblot Test ¹, the asterisk means whatever we want it to mean.

Asterisk

An asterisk, the typographical symbol also known as a 'star', commonly has five or six points, according to country and font. The arms may be rectangular with straight edges, pattéed with straight or curved edges, or bulbous. (The font used by your Internet browser determines the number of 'points' and the arm shapes displayed in the asterisk shown on the left.)

Where there are six points, this is usually a St. Andrew's Cross with a vertical bar - similar to the Star of Life - and frequently seen on a PC keyboard. As a special-purpose key on a telephone keypad, the bar is usually horizontal.

'Courier' font typically seen on a PC screen

Typically seen on a PC keyboard

Typically seen on a telephone keypad

Why the asterisk on the PC keyboard differs from the asterisk on the telephone keypad, is one of life's deep mysteries.

1:	The Rorschach Inkblot Test is used by psychologists to examine a person's personality characteristics and emotional functioning