Zodiac Wheel
/ˈzoʊ.di.æk wiːl/noun
A circular diagram representing the twelve signs of the zodiac and their positions in relation to celestial bodies.
Did you know?The term 'zodiac' comes from an ancient Greek phrase meaning 'circle of animals,' reflecting its origins in Babylonian astronomy where these symbols guided rituals and agriculture.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dʰewgʰ-
“to lead or to guide, referring to celestial guidance.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ζῷον (zōion)
“living being, animal; the root of 'zodiac' referring to the animal symbols.”
1st Century BCE
Latin
zodiacus
“the circle of animals, adopted from Greek, indicating a celestial sphere.”
Middle Ages
Latin
zodiacus
“the band of the heavens divided into twelve signs, used for astrological purposes.”
15th Century
English
zodiac
“the twelve signs of the zodiac as a system of astrology.”
17th Century
English
zodiac wheel
“the representation of the zodiac signs in a circular format for astrological interpretation.”