zodiack

Noun

zodiac (plural zodiacs)

1. The belt-like region of the celestial sphere, approximately eight degrees north and south of the ecliptic, which includes the apparent path of the sun, moon, and visible planets.
   • Tremulous on the bladed graſs ſhone bright the pearly drops, like an aſſembly of ſparkling ſtars dancing on the plains of the zodiac; vocal was every bending ſpray, every reed was inſpired, each vvarbling throat ſeemed to emulate the melodious voice of the bird of a thouſand ſongs.1769, Firishta, translated by Alexander Dow, Tales translated from the Persian of Inatulla of Delhi, volume I, Dublin: P. and W. Wilson et al., page iv

   Synonyms:

   baldric

2. The twelve equal divisions of the zodiacal region into signs or houses, each named for a prominent constellation in the region.

   Synonyms:

   star sign

   1. The Chinese zodiac.
3. The ecliptic: the belt-like region of the celestial sphere corresponding to the apparent path of the sun over the course of a year.
4. Any of various astrological systems considered similar to the above.
   • He is so pictured in the ancient Denderah Zodiac, where we see a man coming forth pointing to the three bright stars (Rigel, Bellatrix, and Betelguez) as his.1893, E. W. Bullinger, Witness of the Stars, London: The author, page 125
5. (countable) A circle decorated with the signs of the zodiac.

See all 8 meanings of zodiac