Tärnid

Tärnid is the Estonian plural form of the noun tärn and refers to several related concepts that share a common symbol, the star-like mark. In typography and computing, a tärn denotes the asterisk symbol (*) and is used for footnotes, emphasis, multiplication, or as a wildcard character. The plural tärnid thus describes multiple asterisks.

Beyond typography, tärnid can appear as star-shaped icons or markers in user interfaces, graphic design, and various forms of notation. They function as visual indicators similar to bullets or decorative elements, and may be used to draw attention or denote special items.

In rating and review contexts, tärnid are employed to express quality or performance levels. A common example is a five-tärni (five-star) rating system, where more tärnid indicate higher satisfaction. Phrases such as kolm tärni mean three stars.

In astronomical contexts, the standard Estonian term for stars in the night sky is täht or tähed; tärnid is less commonly used to describe celestial bodies in formal language. However, tärnid can occasionally appear poetically or metaphorically to refer to stars.

Overall, tärnid encompasses the range of meanings tied to the star symbol in writing and interfaces, as well as its use in star-based rating schemes, with astronomical usage being less typical in contemporary Estonian.