Definition

1. Noun:
   • A diagram or band in astrology: In astrology, the zodiac is a circular diagram or an imaginary belt in the sky, divided into twelve equal parts, each named after a specific constellation. These divisions are called signs and are used to create horoscopes.
   • A celestial region in astronomy: In astronomy, the zodiac refers to a belt-shaped region of the sky centered on the ecliptic (the Sun's apparent path across the celestial sphere over the course of a year), within which the apparent paths of the Sun, Moon, and principal planets remain.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Her zodiac sign is Leo, based on her July birthday.
  • Ancient astronomers mapped the constellations of the zodiac.
  • The planets Jupiter and Saturn are currently visible in the zodiac.

Advanced Usage

• "The signs of the zodiac": Refers specifically to the twelve 30-degree divisions of the zodiac belt, each associated with a constellation and astrological sign (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, etc.).

  • He read about the personality traits associated with all twelve signs of the zodiac.

• "Zodiacal light": A faint, diffuse glow of sunlight scattered by interplanetary dust, visible in the night sky and aligned with the plane of the zodiac.

  • We went to the desert to try to see the elusive zodiacal light after sunset.

Variants and Related Words

• Zodiacal (adj): Of or relating to the zodiac.

  • The zodiacal constellations are along the ecliptic.

• Astrological zodiac: Emphasizes the system used for horoscopes and divination.

• Astronomical zodiac: Emphasizes the celestial coordinate system and the band of constellations.

Synonyms

• Ecliptic band: (Astronomical context) The path followed by the Sun.
• Circle of animals: (A descriptive synonym, from Greek , "circle of little animals").

Related Phrases

• Zodiac sign / Sun sign: The astrological sign determined by the position of the Sun at a person's birth.

  • What is your zodiac sign?

• Zodiac constellation: One of the specific star patterns located within the zodiac belt.

  • Orion is not a zodiac constellation.

Related Idioms

• "It's written in the stars": An idiom suggesting fate is predetermined, often connected to zodiac-based astrology.
  • They believe their meeting was written in the stars, as their zodiac signs are perfectly compatible.

Noun

1. (astrology) a circular diagram representing the 12 zodiacal constellations and showing their signs
2. a belt-shaped region in the heavens on either side to the ecliptic; divided into 12 constellations or signs for astrological purposes