Defn: Same as Socle.
ZOCLE
Zo"cle, n. (Arch.)
Defn: Same as Socle.
ZODIAC
Zo"di*ac, n. Etym: [F. zodiaque (cf. It. zodiaco), fr. L. zodiacus,
Gr.
1. (Astron.) (a) An imaginary belt in the heavens, 16º or 18º 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.
ZODIACAL
Zo*di"a*cal, a. Etym: [Cf. F. zodiacal.] (Astron.)
Defn: Of or pertaining to the zodiac; situated within the zodiac; as, the zodiacal planets. Zodiacal light, a luminous tract of the sky, of an elongated, triangular figure, lying near the ecliptic, its base being on the horizon, and its apex at varying altitudes. It is to be seen only in the evening, after twilight, and in the morning before dawn. It is supposed to be due to sunlight reflected from multitudes of meteoroids revolving about the sun nearly in the plane of the ecliptic.
ZOEA
Zo"ë*a, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A peculiar larval stage of certain decapod Crustacea, especially of crabs and certain Anomura. [Written also zoæa.]