Zodiac: meaning, definitions and examples

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zodiac

 

[ ˈzoʊdiæk ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

astrology system

The zodiac is a circle of twelve 30° divisions of celestial longitude that are centered upon the ecliptic. These divisions correspond to the constellations that the Sun, Moon, and planets appear to move through in the sky. The zodiac is used in astrology and is thought to influence personality traits and events in a person's life.

Synonyms

astrological sign, constellation, horoscope.

Examples of usage

  • She reads her zodiac horoscope every morning.
  • In astrology, your zodiac sign can influence your future.
  • The zodiac consists of twelve signs, each associated with different characteristics.

Translations

Translations of the word "zodiac" in other languages:

🇵🇹 zodíaco

🇮🇳 राशि

🇩🇪 Tierkreis

🇮🇩 zodiak

🇺🇦 зодіак

🇵🇱 zodiak

🇯🇵 星座

🇫🇷 zodiaque

🇪🇸 zodiaco

🇹🇷 burç

🇰🇷 별자리

🇸🇦 الأبراج

🇨🇿 zvěrokruh

🇸🇰 zverokruh

🇨🇳 星座

🇸🇮 zodiak

🇮🇸 stjörnumerki

🇰🇿 жұлдызнама

🇬🇪 ზოდიაქო

🇦🇿 zodiak

🇲🇽 zodiaco

Etymology

The word 'zodiac' comes from the Greek word 'zōdiakos', which means 'circle of animals'. This term was adopted into Latin as 'zodiacus', referring to the same concept. The origins of the zodiac date back to ancient Mesopotamia, where the early astrological systems began to form around 3000 BCE. The Babylonians divided the sky into twelve parts, assigning each section to a specific constellation that is still recognized today. These twelve signs correspond with the twelve months of the year, as well as the twelve phases of the Moon, enhancing their relevance to agriculture and timekeeping. The Greeks later adapted this system, associating each sign with specific traits and characteristics based on myths and legends. This blending of cultures solidified the zodiac's place in Western astrology, where it continues to be used widely in horoscopes and astrological readings.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,077, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.