Vela

noun

Ve·la ˈvē-lə

: a southern constellation that is represented by the figure of a ship's sail

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin vēla, plural of vēlum "sail, awning, curtain" — more at veil entry 1

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of Vela was in 1844

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Browse Nearby Words

vel

Vela

velamen

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Vela.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Vela. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.

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Medical Definition

vela

plural of velum

Last Updated: 4 Nov 2025 - Definition revised

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