A* is a graph shortest-path algorithm that uses a heuristic function to speed up the search
A* is a single source shortest path algorithm that use a heuristic function in order to speed up its search. The algorithm is similar to dijkstra's algorithm, but uses the heuristic evaluation of each node to determine which node should first be explored.
The A* algorithm is both complete [will always find a path if one exists] and optimal [finds the shortest path] if the heuristic function provided is admissible. If more than one path exists with the same "lowest" cost score, the algorithm will return the path first explored.
Usage example: Finding a path for an agent on a grid-like plane, from a single source to a target.