An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The Lesser Dog. A small → constellation in the equatorial region of the northern sky at approximately R.A. 7h 30m, Dec. +5°. It hosts the bright star → Procyon. Abbreviation CMi, genitive form Canis Minoris.

Etymology (EN): Canis Minor, from canis “dog” → Canis Major; L. minor “lesser, smaller,” from PIE base *min- “small” (cf. Gk. meion “less, lesser,” Skt. mi-, minati “to diminish.”

Etymology (PE): Sag “dog,” → Canis Major; kucak “small,” from Mid.Pers. kok, kotak, kotah “small, short; child.”