What does zodiacal mean?
“Zodiacal” means relating to the zodiac, the belt-shaped region of the sky through which the Sun appears to move along the ecliptic. The term is used in both astronomy and astrology. Astronomically, it describes features such as zodiacal light, a faint glow produced by sunlight scattered by interplanetary dust. Astrologically, it describes the twelve zodiacal signs, each associated with a section of the ecliptic and used in systems of character and fate interpretation. The word is more precise than “astrological” in an astronomical context because zodiacal light and other zodiacal phenomena concern the physical region of the sky rather than interpretation. Although not everyday vocabulary, “zodiacal” is useful because it precisely identifies phenomena or concepts connected with the zodiac without requiring the reader to assume an astrological meaning.
adjectiveRelating to the zodiac, especially the band of constellations along the ecliptic or the astrological signs based on that band.
- Relating to the zodiac, its constellations, or the astrological signs derived from it.
"A faint glow known as zodiacal light appears in the western sky after sunset."
"Astronomers study the diffuse zodiacal light visible along the ecliptic after sunset."
"Each zodiacal sign is divided into three equal sections called decans."
The zodiacal light is a ghostly glow visible after sunset and before sunrise, created when sunlight scatters through interplanetary dust.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does zodiacal come from?
“Zodiacal” was formed in English by adding the suffix “-al” to “zodiac.” “Zodiac” comes through French from Latin “zodiacus,” a Latinization of Greek “zōdiakos,” meaning “of the zodiac” or “zodiacal.” The Greek term is related to “zōdion,” a diminutive referring to small figures or animal signs. The related English word “zodiac” preserves the same Greek and Latin root.
Related word forms
How zodiacal is actually used
This is a specialized term used in astronomy, astrology, and related fields. It is not a general substitute for “astrological”: “zodiacal light” is an astronomical phenomenon, whereas “zodiacal signs” belong to astrological systems.
Easily confused with zodiacal
“Zodiac” is the noun naming the ecliptic band, its constellations, or the twelve signs used in astrology, while “zodiacal” is the adjective describing them.