Definition of Zodac
Zodiac, the name given to a belt of the heavens extending 8° on each
side of the ecliptic, composed of twelve constellations called signs of
the zodiac, which the sun traverses in the course of a year. These signs,
of which six are on the N. of the ecliptic and six on the S., are,
commencing with the former, named successively: Aries, the Ram; Taurus,
the Bull; Gemini, the Twins; Cancer, the Crab; Leo, the Lion; Virgo, the
Virgin; Libra, the Balance; Scorpio, the Scorpion; Sagittarius, the
Archer; Capricornus, the Goat; Aquarius, the Water-bearer; and Pisces,
the Fishes. The sun enters Aries at the spring equinox and Libra at the
autumnal equinox, while the first point of Cancer marks the summer
solstice, and that of Capricorn the winter. The name Zodiac is derived
from the Greek zoon, an animal, and has been given to the belt because
the majority of the signs are named after animals.
- Wikipedia
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° or 18° 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.
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° or 18° 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.
- Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
- The apparent path of the sun in the sky (see ecliptic), divided into 12 equal parts, each of which is named after a constellation which was there about 2000 years ago.
- The Nuttall Encyclopedia
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