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zodiac definition

zo·diac (zō′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 (-dī′ə kəl) adjective

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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).


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

zodiac Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • symbolize: Gemini is the third sign of the zodiac symbolized by the ' Celestial Twins ' .

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.

Modifies a noun

  • constellation: The constellation is one of the twelve zodiac constellations.

Noun used with modifier

  • inflatable: A small fleet of inflatable Zodiacs with outboard motors enable us to travel from ship to shore.

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.
zodiac usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

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MLA Style

"zodiac." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/zodiac>

APA Style

zodiac. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/zodiac

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