[zone] n [ME, fr. L zona belt, zone, fr. Gk zone; akin to Lith juosti to gird] (15c) 1 a: any of five great divisions of the earth's surface with respect to latitude and temperature--compare frigid zone, temperate zone, torrid zone b: a portion of the surface of a sphere included between two parallel planes
2. archaic: girdle, belt 3 a: an encircling anatomical structure b (1): a subdivision of a biogeographic region that supports a similar fauna and flora throughout its extent (2): such a zone dominated by a particular life form c: a distinctive belt, layer, or series of layers of earth materials (as rock)
4: a region or area set off as distinct from surrounding or adjoining parts
5: one of the sections of an area or territory created for a particular purpose: as a: a zoned section of a city b: any of the eight concentric bands of territory centered on a given postal shipment point designated as a distance bracket for U.S. parcel post to which mail is charged at a single rate c: a distance within which the same fare is charged by a common carrier d: an area on a field of play e: a stretch of roadway or a space in which certain traffic regulations are in force
[2]zone vt zoned ; zon.ing (1795) 1: to surround with a zone: encircle
2: to arrange in or mark off into zones; specif: to partition (a city, borough, or township) by ordinance into sections reserved for different purposes (as residence or business) -- zon.er n [3]zone adj (1795) 1: zonal 1
2: of, relating to, or being a system of defense (as in basketball or football) in which each player guards an assigned area rather than a specified opponent