a belt-shaped region in the heavens on either side to the ecliptic; divided into 12 constellations or signs for astrological purposes
"Astronomers often study the zodiac, that celestial band surrounding the ecliptic where the sun appears to travel through its twelve distinct constellations."
(astrology) a circular diagram representing the 12 zodiacal constellations and showing their signs
"The astrologer consulted an ancient zodiac to determine the exact positions of the twelve constellation signs."
The belt-like region of the celestial sphere approximately eight degrees north and south of the ecliptic which include the apparent path of the sun, moon, and visible planets.
"The astrological chart displays the twelve signs in lowercase, though you may also see them written as Zodiac."
Alternative letter-case form of zodiac
In plain English: The zodiac is the band of constellations that the sun appears to pass through over the course of a year, which people often use to determine their astrological sign based on when they were born.
"She always checks her horoscope to see what her zodiac sign says about tomorrow's weather forecast."
Usage: The zodiac refers to the band of constellations through which the Sun appears to move across the sky over the course of a year. It is commonly used in both astronomical contexts regarding planetary paths and astrological discussions about birth signs.
a family of constellations that are visible in the apparent path of the Sun viewed from the Earth over the year
"Ancient astronomers used the zodiac to track the apparent path of the Sun across the sky throughout the year."
The word zodiac comes from Ancient Greek, where it originally meant "the circle of small animals." It entered English in the late 14th century via Old French and Latin.