How to display different directory content with Bash select command?

So far I have found some examples of Bash select function usage with logical constructed options or Asterisk one (i.e select s in *). *This last one lists all actual directory content.* **So I would like to understand the following:** 1. What does * mean? 2. How could I display another directory content? *(I tried something as opt=$( ls path ) and select s in "$opt[@]", but it fails)* Any related links or examples are welcome.