asteronym (C2)
noun
Pronunciation: /əˈstɛrənɪm/
Definition
A name formally assigned to a star by an official astronomical organization, such as the International Astronomical Union.
Examples
The asteronym for the North Star is Polaris.
Asteronyms are used to avoid confusion between different stars with similar traditional names.
How to Use asteronym
- assign an asteronym (verb phrase)
- to officially name a star — "The IAU assigned an asteronym to the newly discovered star."
- use an asteronym (verb phrase)
- to use the formal name of a star — "Astronomers use asteronyms to avoid confusion between different stars."
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