Category:Zodiac

Zo"di*ac, n. Etym: [f. zodiaque (cf. It. zodiaco), fr. L. zodiacus, Gr.

1. (astron.) (a) an imaginary belt in the heavens, 16º or 18º broad, in the middle Of which is the ecliptic, or sun's path. It comprises the twelve Constellations, which one constituted, and from which were named, the Twelve signs of the zodiac. (b) a figure representing the signs, symbols, and constellations of The zodiac.

2. A girdle; a belt. [poetic & r.] By his side, as in a glistering zodiac, hung the sword. Milton.