Etymology : Middle English, from Middle French zodiaque, from Latin zodiacus, from Greek zOidiakos, from zOidiakos, adjective, of carved figures, of the zodiac, from zOidion carved figure, sign of the zodiac, from diminutive of zOion living being, figure; akin to Gre
Pronunciation : 'zO-dE-"ak
Function : noun
Date : 14th century
1. diagram representing the twelve zodiac signs. zodiac\zo"di*ac\ , n. [f. zodiaque (cf. it. zodiaco), fr. l. zodiacus, gr. (sc. ), fr. , dim. of zw^,on an animal, akin to living, to live.].
2. (astron.) (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.
3. a girdle; a belt. [poetic & r.] by his side, as in a glistering zodiac, hung the sword.zodiac n.
4. a belt-shaped region in the heavens on either side to the ecliptic; divided into 12 constellations or signs for astrological purposes.
5. (astrology) a circular diagram representing the 12 zodiacal constellations and showing their signs.
6. An imaginary belt in the heavens, 16° or 18° broad, in the middle of which is the ecliptic, or sun's path.
7. It comprises the twelve constellations, which one constituted, and from which were named, the twelve signs of the zodiac.
8. A figure representing the signs, symbols, and constellations of the zodiac.
9. A girdle; a belt. a circular diagram representing the 12 zodiacal constellations and showing their signs a belt-shaped region in the heavens on either side to the ecliptic; divided into 12 constellations or signs for astrological purposes.
10. The zodiac is a diagram used by astrologers to represent the positions of the planets and stars. It is divided into twelve sections, each of which has its own name and symbol. The zodiac is used to try to calculate the influence of the planets, especially on someone's life. the twelve signs of the zodiac. the zodiac an imaginary area through which the sun, moon, and planets appear to travel, which some people believe influences our lives sign of the zodiac (=one of the 12 parts that this area is divided into) (zodiaque, from zoidiakos ). Belt around the heavens extending about 9° on either side of the ecliptic. The orbits of the Moon and the major planets (except Pluto) lie entirely within the zodiac. In astrology, each of 12 constellations along this circle is considered to occupy 1/12 (30°) of it. The positions of the Sun and planets when a person is born and their motion through these constellations are said to exert influence on his or her life, though precession of the equinoxes has shifted the constellations eastward and the Sun no longer passes through them on the traditional dates: Aries, the ram (March 21-April 19); Taurus, the bull (April 20-May 20); Gemini, the twins (May 21-June 21); Cancer, the crab (June 22-July 22); Leo, the lion (July 23-August 22); Virgo, the virgin (August 23-September 22); Libra, the balance (September 23-October 23); Scorpius (see:
Scorpio), the scorpion (October 24-November 21); Sagittarius, the archer (November 22-December 21); Capricornus (see:
Capricorn), the goat (December 22-January 19); Aquarius, the water bearer (January 20-February 18); Pisces, the fish (February 19-March 20).