(Astronomy)

Pyxis, or the Compass, is a constellation on the southern hemisphere, and along with Carina, Puppis and Vela, forms the larger constellation Argo Navis, which was dismantled in 1752 by Nicolas Louis de Lacaille.

It's "real" name is Pyxis Nautica, or literally the Nautical Box. Originally, it was called Malus, the mast, but de Lacaille was a bit of a technophile, and changed it.

Pyx*is (?), n. [L.]

1.

A box; a pyx.

2. Bot.

A pyxidium.

3. Anat.

The acetabulum. See Acetabulum, 2.

Q.

 

© Webster 1913.

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