(countable, uncountable) An academic grade, higher than A or A+. Where it is used, it is often the best class of result.
"The A* grade at A-level is the inevitable consequence of the intention to make A-levels harder. As such, it will provide additional recognition for additional achievement. Importantly, it leaves the existing grades A to E untouched, so that standards over time are preserved." 2006 November 30, Alexandra Smith, “Johnson unveils exam reform plans”, in The Guardian, archived from the original on 24 Aug 2025:
(uncountable) A best-first graph search algorithm for finding a lowest-cost path to a goal.