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zodiac Definition

zo·diac (dē ak′)

noun

  1. a beltlike zone in the sky extending for about eight degrees on either side of the apparent path of the sun and including the paths of the moon and the principal planets: it is divided into twelve equal parts, or signs, each named for a different constellation
  2. a figure or diagram representing the zodiac and its signs: used in astrology
  3. Rare a circle or circuit

Etymology: ME zodiak < MFr zodiaque < L zodiacus, zodiac < Gr zōdiakos (kyklos), zodiac (circle), lit., circle of animals < zōidion, dim. of zōion, animal: see bio-

Related Forms:

  • zodiacal zo·di′a·cal (-dīə kəl) adjective
zodiac Synonyms

zodiac

n.

celestial meridian, signs of the zodiac, sky signs, groups of stars, groups of planets, constellations; see also constellation, planet, star 1.

The twelve signs of the zodiac are: Aquarius (Water Bearer), Pisces (Fish), Aries (Ram), Taurus (Bull), Gemini (Twins), Cancer (Crab), Leo (Lion), Virgo (Virgin), Libra (Scales), Scorpio (Scorpion), Sagittarius (Archer), Capricorn (Goat).

zodiac Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • symbolize: Gemini is the third sign of the zodiac symbolized by the ' Celestial Twins ' .
  • use: I use the tropical zodiac for a variety of reasons: 1 ) I was taught it.
  • round: Yet, the faster planets form aspects to Pluto on their own journeys round the zodiac, thus pulling longterm issues into shorter-term contexts.

Preposition: between

  • whale: The previous two days have been marked by Greenpeace activists obstructing the whale hunt by placing their zodiacs between the whales and the harpoon.

Adjective modifier

  • sidereal: The vernal point reached 0 Aries in the sidereal zodiac in AD 221.
  • tropical: Moving them follows the logic of a tropical zodiac in my view.
  • terrestrial: However, she also came to believe that these landscape effigies formed part of a larger design, and very possibly a terrestrial zodiac.
  • Chinese: The opening date was chosen in line with the Chinese zodiac.
  • astrological: The astrological zodiac has its roots in the science of astronomy - a legacy from the twelve divisions of the precessional cycle.

Modifies a noun

  • constellation: The constellation is one of the twelve zodiac constellations.
  • sign: Guide to zodiac signs, moon phases, Chinese zodiac signs.
  • excursion: For the adventurous traveler, kayak, mountain bike and zodiac excursions are all options for the afternoon's activities.
  • cruise: A zodiac cruise along the western cliffs will give us the opportunity to also admire the seabirds from the water.
  • boat: The hotel provides maps for walking, fishing tackle, zodiac boats, sauna, terraces for sunning.
  • ride: Zodiac ride back to the ship to applause from the other passengers.

Noun used with modifier

  • inflatable: A small fleet of inflatable Zodiacs with outboard motors enable us to travel from ship to shore.
  • twelve: The constellation is one of the twelve zodiac constellations.
  • landscape: In this landscape zodiac, Aquarius is not the familiar figure of the Water Bearer.

Preposition: in

  • year: Orbits the zodiac in four years plus two to four months.

Preposition: of

  • constellation: The tropical zodiac ( not the sidereal zodiac of constellations ) is used, in line with majority astrological opinion in the modern West.

Browse dictionary entries near zodiac

  1. zoanthropy
  2. zoantharian
  3. Zoan
  4. -zoa
  5. zoa
  6. zo-
  7. zoö-
  8. Zn
  9. ZMODEM
  10. zlotys
  1. zodiacal
  2. zodiacal light
  3. Zoe
  4. zoea
  5. zoeae
  6. zoeal
  7. zoeas
  8. Zoellick, Robert B.
  9. zoftig
  10. Zohar