zone

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   Each of the five regions of the earth's surface into which it was divided by climatic differences, namely the torrid zone (between the tropics), two temperate zones (between the tropics and the polar circles), and two frigid zones (within the polar circles).

   And as two Zones doe cut the Heaven upon the righter side, / And other twaine upon the left likewise the same devide, / The middle in outragious heat exceeding all the rest: / Even so likewise through great foresight to God it seemed best, / The earth encluded in the same should so devided bee […].

2. 2
   noun

   A given area distinguished on the basis of a particular characteristic, use, restriction, etc.

   There is a no-smoking zone that extends 25 feet outside of each entrance.

3. 3
   noun

   A restricted category or virtual place.

   The discussion was veering off into a danger zone.

4. 4
   noun

   A band or area of growth encircling anything.

   a zone of evergreens on a mountain

5. 5
   noun

   The strike zone.

   That pitch was low and away, just outside the zone.

6. 6
   noun

   Every of the three parts of an ice rink, divided by two blue lines.

   Players are off side, if they enter the attacking zone before the puck.

7. 7
   noun

   A semicircular area in front of each goal.

   The defender playing at the top of the zone is nine to fourteen metres out from the goal line.

8. 8
   noun

   A mental state of high concentration and performance; see: in the zone.

   I just got in the zone late in the game: everything was going in.

Etymology

From Latin zōna, from Ancient Greek ζώνη (zṓnē, “girdle, belt”).