zodiac |
an imaginary belt in the heavens that includes the apparent paths of the sun, moon, and most planets and is divided into twelve equal signs or parts, each named for a constellation that appears within the belt as seen from the earth. [2 definitions] |
zodiacal light |
a faint band of illumination along the ecliptic, often visible in the west just after sunset or in the east just before sunrise, that is thought to be caused by the reflection of sunlight from a cloud of particles around the sun. |
zoetrope |
a device, predating the movie camera, that produces the illusion of motion when a series of images are viewed through slits in a spinning drum. |
-zoic |
of, relating to, or being a geological era characterized by (such) life. [2 definitions] |
zombie |
a spell or supernatural force that, according to voodoo belief and legend, can enter a corpse, return life to it, and then control its actions. [5 definitions] |
zonal |
of, pertaining to, or associated with a zone or zones. [2 definitions] |
zone |
an area that is divided or distinct from other areas because of appearance, use, environment, or the like. [11 definitions] |
zonk |
(slang) to intoxicate or stupefy (usu. fol. by "out"). [3 definitions] |
zoo |
a place, usu. a park, where living animals, esp. wild ones, are kept in enclosures for public viewing; zoological garden. [3 definitions] |
zoo- |
animal. |
zoogeography |
the study of the regional distribution of animal species and the causes and results thereof. |
zoography |
the branch of zoology involved with the biological description of animals. |
zooid |
any animal organism that can exist or move independently of the parent organism, esp. one produced by other than sexual means. [3 definitions] |
zookeeper |
someone who takes care of animals in a zoo. |
zoological |
of or concerning zoology. [2 definitions] |
zoological garden |
a public park or other enclosed area in which live animals are kept for exhibition; zoo. |
zoologist |
one who specialized in or studies zoology. |
zoology |
the science and study of animals. [3 definitions] |
zoom |
to move quickly or rapidly while making a low-pitched humming sound. [6 definitions] |
zoom lens |
a camera lens assembly that can be quickly adjusted to provide varying degrees of magnification with no loss of focus. |
zoomorphic |
of, having, or portrayed in the form of an animal. |