zodiac

plural zodiacs · alternative obsolete zodiack · alternative Zodiac

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

   Synonyms: star sign

   1. astrologyThe Chinese zodiac.

      Synonyms: star sign

3. astronomyThe 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.

   Discussing both Chinese and Western zodiacs might be a prewriting activity.

   1998, Sylvia Sikundar, Barbara DuMoulin, Celebrating Our Cultures, Pembroke Publishers Limited, →ISBN, page 58

   2 more examples

   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

   So the Dendera Zodiac seems to be a complete copy of the Mesopotamian zodiac.

   1998, John H. Roger, “Origins of the ancient constellations: I. The Mesopotamian traditions”, in Journal of the British Astronomy Association, volume 108, number 1, page 10, column 1

5. countableA circle decorated with the signs of the zodiac.

plural zodiacs · alternative Zodiac

1. nauticalA inflatable boat.

   Synonyms: inflatable boat

1. Alternative letter-case form of zodiac.

1. The Zodiac Killer.

   Synonyms: zodiac