zodiac
n. countablen. an imaginary area in the sky that is divided into twelve equal parts, each named after a group of stars. Many people use it to talk about their star sign and personality.
n. a belt-shaped region of the sky extending approximately 8 degrees north or south of the ecliptic, divided into twelve equal signs. Often used in astrological contexts to refer to the symbolic system of star signs.
What is your sign of the zodiac?
Ancient astronomers used the zodiac to track the movement of the sun and planets throughout the year.
While modern astronomy treats the zodiac as a specific celestial coordinate system, popular culture primarily engages with it through the lens of horoscopes and personality archetypes.
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.
Usually used with the definite article 'the' when referring to the celestial belt.