What does zodiac mean?
The zodiac is a band of the sky associated with the Sun's apparent annual path across the celestial sphere. In astronomy, it is the region centered on the ecliptic, along which the Sun, Moon, and planets appear to travel. In astrology, the zodiac is divided into twelve signs, including Aries, Taurus, Gemini, and Pisces, whose symbolic positions are used in horoscopes. These signs correspond to equal divisions of the ecliptic rather than exactly to the constellations of the same names, although the two systems arose from closely related observations of the sky. In everyday conversation, “zodiac” usually signals astrology, while specialized astronomical discussions use it more precisely for the celestial band itself. The word is also familiar through the separate Chinese zodiac, a twelve-year cycle represented by animals. Together, these meanings make the zodiac a meeting point of ancient sky-watching, mythology, and modern popular culture.
nounIn astronomy, the zodiac is the band of the celestial sphere centered on the ecliptic, the apparent annual path of the Sun. In astrology, it usually denotes the division of this band into twelve signs or the system of signs used to interpret horoscopes.
- The astrological division of the ecliptic into twelve signs, or the system of beliefs and interpretations associated with those signs.
- The band of the celestial sphere through which the Sun appears to move annually and along which the Moon and planets follow their apparent paths.
"Astrologers divide the zodiac into twelve signs, each associated with particular traits and dates."
"Her birthday falls under Aquarius in the Western zodiac."
"Astronomers use the zodiac to describe the band of sky surrounding the ecliptic."
The plural is grammatically correct but rarely needed, because the word is normally used in the singular.
"The exhibit compares zodiacs from several cultural traditions."
Think of the zodiac as the Sun's year-long lane across the sky, divided into twelve signs.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does zodiac come from?
The word entered Middle English through Old French from Latin zodiacus, a Latin borrowing of Greek zōdiakos, meaning “of animals” or “relating to figures of animals.” Greek zōdiakos came from zōdion, a diminutive of zōon, meaning “animal,” referring to the small animal figures associated with the signs. The related roots of zoology and zoologist likewise derive from Greek zōon, although their modern meanings concern the scientific study of animals.
Related word forms
How zodiac is actually used
The term is used in both astronomy and astrology, but in everyday language it usually refers to astrology. The Chinese zodiac is a separate twelve-year animal cycle and should not be confused with the Western system of twelve zodiac signs.
Easily confused with zodiac
A horoscope is an astrological interpretation based on zodiac signs and other planetary influences, whereas the zodiac is the system or band of signs itself.