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.

genitive

Velorum

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

For it is the vela discovered, denounced, and made over to them by Pedro Vicente.

From The Lost Mountain A Tale of Sonora by Reid, Mayne