An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The Compasses. A small, faint → constellation in the southern hemisphere near → Musca and → Triangulum Australe, at about 15h right ascension and 60° south declination. Abbreviation: Cir; genitive Circini.

Etymology (EN): L. circinus “pair of compasses,” from circus “circle, ring,” from or akin to Gk. kirkos “a circle,” from PIE kirk- from base (s)ker- “to turn, bend” (from which derives also Pers. carx “wheel, cycle,” → cycle).

Etymology (PE): Pargâr, → compasses.