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Asterisk Operator Symbol

The ∗ symbol is the Asterisk Operator (U+2217), commonly used in math and specialized notation.

U+2217

∗ is known as the asterisk operator with Unicode code point U+2217. It’s distinct from the regular asterisk (*) used in plain text and programming contexts. Use it when you need a true typographic operator character.

Asterisk Operator Symbol Meaning

The “Asterisk Operator” (∗) is a mathematical operator character: Unicode names it “ASTERISK OPERATOR” and assigns it code point U+2217. In documents and notation, it may appear in places where an operator-style asterisk is preferred over the ASCII asterisk (*). Depending on the font and context, it can be used to indicate an operator, multiplication-like notation, or specialized markup in math-heavy writing. Because ∗ and * are different characters, it’s best to copy the exact symbol when you need consistent typography across browsers, editors, and publishing tools.

Common uses

  • Math notation in equations and textbooks where an operator asterisk is preferred
  • Scientific writing to distinguish from the plain ASCII asterisk (*)
  • Designing math symbols for posters, slides, and educational materials
  • Creating consistent typographic emphasis in formulas or annotated text
  • Using as a visual marker in technical documentation that distinguishes notation levels

Examples

∗ Asterisk Operator (U+2217)

  • Define f∗ as the transformed function.
  • The operator ∗ is applied to each term.
  • Let a∗ and b∗ denote adjusted values.
  • Consider the expression: x ∗ y in the given notation.
  • We write g∗(t) for the resulting function.

Variations

Ready to copy

Technical codes

UnicodeU+2217
HTML Entity∗
HTML Code∗
CSS\2217

FAQ

What does the Asterisk Operator symbol mean?

The “Asterisk Operator” (∗) is a mathematical operator character: Unicode names it “ASTERISK OPERATOR” and assigns it code point U+2217. In documents and notation, it may appear in places where an operator-style asterisk is preferred over the ASCII asterisk (*). Depending on the font and context, it can be used to indicate an operator, multiplication-like notation, or specialized markup in math-heavy writing. Because ∗ and * are different characters, it’s best to copy the exact symbol when you need consistent typography across browsers, editors, and publishing tools.

Is ∗ the same as the regular asterisk (*)?

No. ∗ is the Unicode “ASTERISK OPERATOR” (U+2217). The regular asterisk (*) is a different character commonly used in plain text and programming.

What is the Unicode code point for ∗?

U+2217.

How can I include ∗ in HTML?

Use the HTML entity: ∗.

How do I type ∗ in JavaScript strings?

You can use the Unicode escape: \\u{2217}.