An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A shell of dust or gas expanding out from an astronomical object such as a star or a comet’s nucleus.

Etymology (EN): From Fr. enveloppe, from O.Fr. envoloper “to envelop,” from en- “in” + voloper “wrap up,” of obscure origin, perhaps related to M.L. aluppa “a very thin piece or slice of wood” and influenced by L. volvere “to roll.”

Etymology (PE): Pušé, noun from pušidan “to cover; to put on;” Mid.Pers. pôšidan, pôš- “to cover; to wear;” cf. Mid.Pers. pôst; Mod.Pers. pust “skin, hide;” O.Pers. pavastā- “thin clay envelope used to protect unbaked clay tablets;” Skt. pavásta- “cover,” Proto-Indo-Iranian *pauastā- “cloth.”