what does a * mean in a python function code example

Example 1: * meaning in python

The * in python represents "The rest".
Meaning it will take the remaining arguments that are left over in your 
code and fit inside the variable OR you can use it as your primary 
variable to store as many arguments that you want.
After doing this it it will convert them into a list.

Example 2: what does * mean in python in functions

>>> numbers = [2, 1, 3, 4, 7]
>>> more_numbers = [*numbers, 11, 18]
>>> print(*more_numbers, sep=', ')
2, 1, 3, 4, 7, 11, 18