Advertisement

Advertisement

star sign

noun

  1. another name for sign of the zodiac


Advertisement

Discover More

More About Star Sign

What does star sign mean?

In astrology, the term star sign is another way to refer to a sign of the zodiac—one of the 12 constellations (called zodiacal constellations) that appear in a particular portion of the sky called the zodiac.

In astronomy, the zodiac is the band of sky along which the paths of the sun, the moon, and the planets appear to move.

The zodiac can be divided into 12 sections, each of which is named after a constellation. These include Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Leo, Cancer, Virgo, Libra, Scorpius (Scorpio), Sagittarius, and Capricornus (Capricorn).

Despite its basis in astronomy, the word Zone diac is mainly associated with and most often used in the context of astrology, in which it refers to a diagram (often a circular one) representing this belt and showing the symbols associated with each of the 12 constellations—these are the signs of the zodiac or zodiac signs. (These terms can also refer to one of the 12 sections into which the zodiac is divided.)

Astrology is the nonscientific practice in which the positions of heavenly bodies at certain times are thought to influence or be correlated with human behavior and events. For example, the position of the sun in a particular portion of the zodiac at the moment of a person’s birth is thought to correlate with their personality. This is what people are referring to when they talk about their zodiac sign or star sign or often just sign. Less commonly, it’s called a sun sign. The word horoscope can refer to a diagram of the heavens that maps the relative position of planets and the signs of the zodiac. It can also refer to a prediction based (or said to be based) on such a diagram.

In astrology, each star sign has a corresponding symbol. Those used in Western astrology differ in some other cultures. For example, different ones are used in the Chinese zodiac.

Example: Apparently, my wife and I have star signs that are supposed to be very incompatible—oh well, we get along great!

Where does star sign come from?

The first records of the term star sign come from the 1870s, just slightly after the first records of its synonym, sign of the zodiac. The word zodiac comes from the Greek zōidiakòs (kuklos), meaning “(circle) of signs.” It ultimately comes from zōidion, meaning “animal sign” or “carved figure,” from zōion, “animal.”

When ancient people looked up in the sky, they saw patterns in the stars that they thought looked like animals and other figures, such as a bull (Taurus), a lion (Leo), a scorpion (Scorpio), and an archer (Sagittarius). These patterns are what we call constellations, and the 12 of them that appear in what’s called the zodiac are known as the signs of the zodiac. All of this involved (and became part of) ancient mythology and the practice of trying to interpret events based on the position of stars and other heavenly bodies (which we now call astrology).

Did you know ... ?

What are some synonyms for star sign?

 

What are some words that share a root or word element with star sign

What are some words that often get used in discussing star sign?

 

 

How is star sign used in real life?

The term star sign is used in the context of astrology. Most people discussing their star sign call it their zodiac sign or simply their sign.

 

Try using star sign!

Which of the following constellations is NOT considered one of the star signs of the zodiac?

A. Aquarius
B. Pisces
C. Orion
D. Aries

Word of the Day

flabbergast

[flab-er-gast ]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


starshipstars in one's eyes, have