| 释义 |
zodiac /zōˈdi-ak/ noun- An imaginary belt in the heavens, about 18º wide, through which the ecliptic passes centrally, and which forms the background of the motions of the sun, moon and planets. It is divided into twelve equal parts of 30º called signs of the zodiac, named from the constellations that once corresponded to them but no longer do so. The constellations, with the symbols of the corresponding signs, are as follows: Aries (Ram), ♈
- Taurus (Bull), ♉
- Gemini (Twins), ♊
- Cancer (Crab), ♋
- Leo (Lion), ♌
- Virgo (Virgin), ♍
- Libra (Balance), ♎
- Scorpio (Scorpion), ♏
- Sagittarius (Archer), ♐
- Capricorn (Goat), ♑
- Aquarius (Water Bearer), ♒
- Pisces (Fishes), ♓
- A set or diagram of these
- A year (obsolete)
- A set of twelve, or a recurrent series or course (figurative)
ORIGIN: Fr zodiaque, from L zōdiacus, from Gr zōidiakos of figures, from zōidion a small carved or painted figure, from zōion an animal zodīˈacal adjective zodiacal light noun A faint illumination of the sky, lenticular in form and elongated in the direction of the ecliptic on either side of the sun, fading away at about 90º from it (best seen after sunset or before sunrise in the tropics) |