An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The Sail. A part of the constellation Argo in the Southern hemisphere, which was later divided into three parts, the others being Carina and Puppis. Vela is situated at about 10h right ascension, -50° declination. Abbreviation: Vel; Genitive: Velorum.

Etymology (EN): From L. vela, plural of velum “sail, curtain, covering,” velare “to cover, veil.”

Etymology (PE): Bâdbân “sail,” literally “wind keeper,” from bâd→ wind + -bân a suffix denoting “keeper, guard,” sometimes forming agent nouns or indicating relation, → host.