zodiac : Dictionary / Wörterbuch (BEOLINGUS, TU Chemnitz)

English Dictionary: zodiac	by the DICT Development Group
2 results for zodiac
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
zodiac n a belt-shaped region in the heavens on either side to the ecliptic; divided into 12 constellations or signs for astrological purposes (astrology) a circular diagram representing the 12 zodiacal constellations and showing their signs
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Zodiac \Zo"di*ac\, n. [F. zodiaque (cf. It. zodiaco), fr. L. zodiacus, Gr. [?] (sc. [?]), fr. [?], dim. of zw^,on an animal, akin to [?] living, [?] to live.] 1. (Astron.) (a) An imaginary belt in the heavens, 16[deg] or 18[deg] 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.