noun
obelisk
A dagger-shaped mark used to point to a note in printed text.
An obelisk (†) beside the author's name points to a footnote.
Etymology
The Greek name evokes a pointed implement. In printing, it was applied to a dagger-shaped reference mark, preserving the association with a narrow pointed object.
More examples
- The editor uses an obelisk for the second footnote.
- Look for the matching obelisk at the bottom of the page.
- Obelisks beside the figures direct readers to explanatory notes.
Forms
obelisk · obelisks
Similar words
- dagger
- The usual modern name for this same reference mark.
- obelus
- Can name this mark, but also names the division sign.