Zij Definition

zēj
noun
An astronomical text tabulating information on the apparent positions and motions of the sun, moon, planets, and stars, especially such a text written in Arabic or Persian in the eighth or ninth century.
American Heritage

Origin of Zij

  • Arabic Persian zīj (Persian) (from Arabic) from Persian zīg mason's rule, threads that serve as a guide in embroidering, zij from Middle Persian ǰīg, zīg thread from Old Iranian *ǰyaka- thread diminutive of ǰyā- bowstring, tendon Avestan ǰyā- gwhī- in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition