ˈzəudɪæk n. 1 a a
belt of
the heavens
limited by lines
about 8Û
from the
ecliptic on
each side, including
all apparent positions of the
sun,
moon,
and planets as
known to ancient astronomers, and divided
into twelve equal parts (signs of the zodiac), each
formerly containing the similarly named
constellation but
now by
precession of the equinoxes coinciding
with the constellation
that bears the
name of the preceding
sign:
Aries,
Taurus,
Gemini,
Cancer,
Leo,
Virgo,
Libra,
Scorpio,
Sagittarius, Capricorn(us),
Aquarius,
Pisces. b a
diagram of
these signs. 2 a
complete cycle,
circuit, or
compass. [ME f. OF zodiaque f. L zodiacus f. Gk zoidiakos f. zoidion sculptured animal-figure, dimin. of zoion animal]