Zodiac Meaning
/ˈzəʊ.dɪˌæk/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe belt-like region of the celestial sphere, approximately eight degrees north and south of the ecliptic, which includes the apparent path of the sun, moon, and visible planets.
nounThe twelve equal divisions of the zodiacal region into signs or houses, each named for a prominent constellation in the region.
Sentence Examples
Behind every animal on the Chinese zodiac lies an array of proverbs, sayings and stories.
The culture of the Chinese zodiac is deeply rooted in people's lives, language and literature.
The Scorpion is one of the signs of the zodiac.
CEFR Practice Quiz
Astrologers believe that the position of the planets in the ____ influences personality.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Many people enjoy reading about their ____ sign to see what the future holds for several of them this month today.
Word Origin & History
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”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Tremulous on the bladed graſs ſhone bright the pearly drops, like an aſſembly of ſparkling ſtars dancing on the plains of the zodiac; vocal was every bending ſpray, every reed was inſpired, each vvarbling throat ſeemed to emulate the melodious voice of the bird of a thouſand ſongs."
— 1769, Firishta, translated by Alexander Dow, Tales translated from the Persian of Inatulla of Delhi, volume I, Dublin: P. and W. Wilson et al., page iv:
"Discussing both Chinese and Western zodiacs might be a prewriting activity."
— 1998, Sylvia Sikundar, Barbara DuMoulin, Celebrating Our Cultures, Pembroke Publishers Limited, →ISBN, page 58:
"So the Dendera Zodiac seems to be a complete copy of the Mesopotamian zodiac."
— 1998, John H. Roger, “Origins of the ancient constellations: I. The Mesopotamian traditions”, in Journal of the British Astronomy Association, volume 108, number 1, page 10, column 1:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
Astrologers believe that the position of the planets in the ____ influences personality.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Many people enjoy reading about their ____ sign to see what the future holds for several of them this month today.