zodiac
/ˈzoʊ.di.æk/
NOUN
1. Belt of the celestial sphere
A belt-shaped region of the celestial sphere extending approximately eight degrees north and south of the ecliptic, containing the apparent paths of the Sun, Moon, and visible planets.
1.1. Astronomical region of the sky
Refers to the celestial band through which the Sun, Moon, and planets appear to travel, associated with the constellations along the ecliptic.
Synonyms
- zodiacal belt
- celestial belt
Examples
- The ancient astronomers mapped the zodiac to track the apparent movements of celestial bodies.
- The teacher explained how the planets appear to move through the zodiac.
Related Words
NOUN
2. Twelve astrological signs
The twelve divisions of the zodiacal belt, each associated with a particular constellation and represented by an astrological sign.
2.1. Astrological signs and their divisions
Refers to the twelve traditional signs—Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces—used in astrology.
Synonyms
- zodiacal signs
- astrological signs
- signs of the zodiac
Examples
- During the astronomy class, the teacher explained the significance of each sign in the zodiac.
- She proudly displayed her zodiac pendant, which featured the symbol of her astrological sign.
Related Words
- horoscope
- astrology
- Aries
- Taurus
- Gemini
- Cancer
- Leo
- Virgo
- Libra
- Scorpio
- Sagittarius
- Capricorn
- Aquarius
- Pisces
NOUN
3. The ecliptic
The apparent annual path of the Sun across the celestial sphere, corresponding to the central line of the zodiacal belt.
3.1. Apparent path of the Sun
Refers to the ecliptic as the apparent yearly path of the Sun against the background of stars, which forms the central reference line of the zodiac.
Synonyms
- ecliptic
- apparent solar path
Examples
- The zodiac follows the region surrounding the ecliptic across the celestial sphere.
Related Words
- celestial longitude
- celestial sphere
- solar motion
- orbital plane
- Earth's orbit
NOUN
4. Astrological systems
An astrological framework based on divisions of the celestial region into signs or sectors that are used to interpret personality and predict events.
4.1. Astrology and divination
Refers to the zodiac as part of an astrological system used to interpret celestial positions, construct horoscopes, and make predictions about people's lives or future events.
Synonyms
- astrological system
- horoscopic system
Examples
- The astrologer studied the positions of the stars within the zodiac to predict future events.
- As a hobby, he enjoyed reading daily horoscopes to see what the zodiac had in store for him.
Related Words
- astrology
- horoscope
- divination
- fortune-telling
- augury
- prophecy
- prognostication
- celestial interpretation
NOUN
5. Circular representation of zodiac signs
A circular diagram or decorative design displaying the twelve signs of the zodiac.
5.1. Zodiac symbols in art and decoration
Refers to a circular illustration, ornament, or decorative object arranged with the symbols or images of the twelve astrological signs.
Synonyms
- zodiac wheel
- zodiac circle
Examples
- The ancient temple featured a zodiac carved into the ceiling.
- She wore a pendant decorated with a circle of zodiac symbols.
Related Words
- astrological chart
- celestial diagram
- horoscope wheel
- zodiac symbols
- constellation
- pendant
- ornament