sign of the zodiac

[ sahyn uhv thuh zoh-dee-ak ]

noun

, Astrology.

1. one of the twelve constellations along the apparent annual path of the sun in the sky.
2. (in contemporary Western astrology) one of the twelve divisions of the sun's apparent annual path in the sky, each representing a constellation under which a person can be born and which is said to influence or correlate with certain aspects of their life, personality, etc.

sign of the zodiac

noun

1. any of the 12 equal areas, 30° wide, into which the zodiac can be divided, named after the 12 zodiacal constellations. In astrology, it is thought that a person's psychological type and attitudes to life can be correlated with the sign in which the sun lay at the moment of his birth, with the ascendant sign, and to a lesser extent with the signs in which other planets lay at this time Also calledsignstar signsun sign See also planet house

Word History and Origins

Origin of sign of the zodiac¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

“Rising Signs” explores medieval representations of the 12 signs of the zodiac through a fascinating selection of illustrations and devotional books from pre-modern Europe.

From Los Angeles Times

We see a potent metaphor for the fourth sign of the zodiac in the Mono Silver Zeug cutlery set — a shiny smattering of tools for that sacred source of comfort: eating.

From Los Angeles Times

The original Arabic names of the signs of the zodiac were translated into Hebrew, a detail that suggested that the relic had at one point circulated within a Sephardi Jewish community.

From New York Times

The oil painting depicts the gods Jupiter, Neptune and Pluto, with the world at its centre and marked by signs of the zodiac.

From BBC

Baggu’s graphic reusable tote available in the 12 signs of the zodiac is so much fun, mom will want to use it for more than the grocery store.

From Los Angeles Times