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Definition of zodiac

zodiac

/ˈzoʊ.di.æk/
zo · di · ac
Plural:zodiacs
•
Adjective:zodiacal
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zodiac Lexical Profile

zodiac Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An imaginary belt of the heavens extending about eight degrees on either side of the ecliptic, containing the apparent paths of the Sun, Moon, and principal planets, and divided into twelve equal sections (signs) named after constellations.

Example

"Ancient astronomers tracked the movement of the planets across the constellations of the zodiac."

2

A circular diagram or chart representing the twelve astrological signs or Chinese animal years and their associated symbols, used in astrology and horoscopes.

Example

"An ornate mosaic of the zodiac was inlaid into the marble floor of the ancient synagogue."

• Nearby Words

ziziphus
zlin
zlín
zodiac
zodiacal
zoetermeer
zomba

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in Middle English via Old French and Latin from the Ancient Greek phrase 'zōidiakos kyklos' (literally 'circle of little animals'), derived from 'zōidion', a diminutive of 'zōion' ('animal'), because most of the classical constellations along the ecliptic represent animals or mythical figures.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Zodiac. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/zodiac
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