ˈzōdēˌak noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French zodiaque, from Latin zodiacus, from Greek zōidiakos, from zōidiakos, adjective, of carved or painted figures, of the zodiac, from zōidion carved or painted figure, sign of the zodiac, diminutive of zōion living being, animal, figure, image; akin to Greek zōē life — more at quick
1.
a. : an imaginary belt in the heavens usually 18 degrees wide that encompasses the apparent paths of all the principal planets except Pluto, that has the ecliptic as its central line, and that is divided into 12 constellations or signs each taken for astrological purposes to extend 30 degrees of longitude
b. : a figure representing the signs of the zodiac and their symbols
2. : a cyclic course (as of time) : calendar , circuit
moves through a zodiac of feasts and fasts — R.W.Emerson
[s]/zodiac.jpg[/s]