zodiac
NounUS[zoh-dee-ak]/ˈzoʊdiˌæk/3 syllables
Open English WordNet
Noun (2)
- a belt-shaped region in the heavens on either side to the ecliptic; divided into 12 constellations or signs for astrological purposesType of region, partPart of celestial sphere, sphereParts sign of the zodiac, Aries, Virgo, Cancer, Sagittarius, Taurus, Capricornus, Libra +6 more
- (astrology) a circular diagram representing the 12 zodiacal constellations and showing their signsType of diagram
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Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Zo′di·ac noun
Origin: F. zodiaque (cf. It. zodiaco), fr. L. zodiacus, Gr. … (sc. …), fr. …, dim. of ζῷον an animal, akin to … living, … to live.
1. Astronomy (a) An imaginary belt in the heavens, 16° or 18° broad, in the middle of which is the ecliptic, or sun's path. It comprises the twelve constellations, which one constituted, and from which were named, the twelve signs of the zodiac. (b) A figure representing the signs, symbols, and constellations of the zodiac.
2. A girdle; a belt. poetic & rare
By his side, As in a glistering zodiac, hung the sword.— John Milton
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54