The asterisk *, also called a "star, " is used for a number of different purposed in mathematics. The most common usage is to denote multiplication so, for example, 2*3 = 2×3 = 6. When used as a superscript, the asterisk is commonly voiced "a-star." A raised asterisk is used to denote the adjoint a^*, or sometimes the complex conjugate. A doubled asterisk a**b is used in the Wolfram Language to denote noncommutative multiplication. However, in FORTRAN, a doubled asterisk denotes exponentiation.

adjoint | complex conjugate | exponentiation | multiplication | star