n. 黄道带, 黄道十二宫图

Zodiac \Zo"di*ac\, n. [F. zodiaque (cf. It. zodiaco), fr. L.
zodiacus, Gr. ? (sc. ?), fr. ?, dim. of zw^,on an animal,
akin to ? living, ? to live.]
1. (Astron.)
(a) An imaginary belt in the heavens, 16[deg] or 18[deg]
broad, in the middle of which is the ecliptic, or
sun's path. It comprises the twelve constellations,
which one constituted, and from which were named, the
twelve signs of the zodiac.
(b) A figure representing the signs, symbols, and
constellations of the zodiac.

2. A girdle; a belt. [Poetic & R.]

By his side,
As in a glistering zodiac, hung the sword. --Milton.