Zodiac
/ˈzoʊ.di.æk/noun
A circle of twelve 30° divisions of celestial longitude that are centered upon the ecliptic.
Did you know?In ancient astrology, the Zodiac was believed to hold the keys to your destiny, influencing everything from personality to fate!
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dʰeiǵʰ-
“to shine, be bright, or glow”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ζῷον (zōion)
“living being, animal”
Ancient Greek
Greek
κύκλος (kyklos)
“circle”
Late Latin
Latin
zodiacus
“circle of animals, zodiac”
Middle English
English
zodiak
“circle of signs or animals representative of the heavens”
Modern English
English
zodiac
“the band of the heavens divided into twelve signs representing astrological symbols”
Explore more surprising origins