Word
zodiac
Phoneticszo·di·ac
US/ˈzoʊdiˌæk/
UK/zˈəʊdɪˌæk/
Definitions
01astrology and constellations
n. the twelve signs, like Aries or Leo, that people use in astrology to talk about their personality or the future.
n. the twelve equal divisions of the celestial sphere, each named after a constellation, used primarily in astrology to determine horoscopes.
“She checked her horoscope to see what the zodiac predicted for her week.”
“In Western astrology, the zodiac is divided into twelve signs, starting with Aries at the vernal equinox.”
Synonyms
02astronomy
n. the area in the sky that the sun, moon, and planets seem to move through during the year.
n. the belt-like region of the celestial sphere extending approximately eight degrees on either side of the ecliptic.
“Astronomers study the planets as they move through the path of the zodiac.”
“The planets remain within the boundaries of the zodiac because their orbits are nearly coplanar with that of the Earth.”
Technical
Synonyms
03inflatable boat
n. a strong, inflatable rubber boat often used by the military or for exploring the ocean.
n. a heavy-duty inflatable boat, typically with a rigid hull, used for professional or recreational maritime activities.
“The researchers jumped into the zodiac to reach the whales in the bay.”
“The expedition team deployed a fleet of zodiacs to navigate the shallow, icy waters near the glacier's edge.”
Usage
Often capitalized as 'Zodiac' because it originated as a brand name, though it is frequently used as a common noun.
Synonyms
Etymology
From Middle English zodiak (late 14th century), from Old French zodiaque, from Latin zōdiacus, from Ancient Greek ζῳδιακός [κύκλος] (zōidiakós [kúklos], “[circle] of little animals”), from ζῴδιον (zōídion), the diminutive of ζῷον (zōîon, “animal”).
From the name of brand of inflatable boats produced by the French Zodiac Nautic company.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
The word in film
Zodiac · 2007 · Crime
- Directed by:
- David Fincher
- Starring:
- Jake Gyllenhaal, Chloë Sevigny, Charles Fleischer
David Fincher directed this crime drama about the real-life search for a serial killer who sent mysterious letters to the police. The murderer used this name and various astrological symbols as a signature to taunt the investigators.