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• vela
  vela

  noun

  plural of velum.
• Vela
  Vela

  noun

  the Sail, a southern constellation: one of the subordinate constellations into which Argo is divided.

vela

¹ American  

[vee-luh] / ˈvi lə /

noun

1. plural of velum.

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Vela ² American  

[vee-luh, vey-] / ˈvi lə, ˈveɪ- /

noun

Astronomy.

1. the Sail, a southern constellation: one of the subordinate constellations into which Argo is divided.

2. U.S. Aerospace. one of a series of reconnaissance satellites designed to detect nuclear explosions.

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Vela British  

/ ˈviːlə /

noun

1. a constellation in the S hemisphere, close to Puppis and Carina and crossed by the Milky Way, that has four second-magnitude stars and a young bright pulsar

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Etymology

Origin of Vela

< Latin, plural of vēlum sail

Example Sentences

“I could never dress like this in Veracruz, where I live now,” said Ximena Ximénez, 27, who returned to Juchitán for the vela and wore a black, gold and white garment with a matching headpiece.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 11, 2024

She sat patiently as ardent beauticians prepared her for her formal investiture, a highlight of the three-day festival — or vela — that celebrates muxe culture here every November.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 11, 2024

This weekend's festival is called the "True Fearless Seekers of Danger" vela, a name that harkens to the risk many members of the community face.

From Reuters • Nov. 19, 2023

En un edificio, al mismo tiempo se festeja el cumpleaños de una muchacha y se vela a un viejo que murió de frío.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 27, 2019

Et vulgo faciunt id lutea russaque vela, Et ferrugina, quum, magnis intenta theatris, Per malos vulgata trabesque, trementia fluctant.

From History of Roman Literature from its Earliest Period to the Augustan Age. Volume I by Dunlop, John