Pronunciation: [pˈʌpiz] (IPA) 
The word "puppis" is spelled with two syllables, pronounced /ˈpʌp.ɪs/. The first syllable, "pup," is pronounced as in the word "puppy." The second syllable, "pis," is pronounced as in the word "piece." "Puppis" is actually the Latin word for a certain part of a ship, specifically the stern part of a constellation known as Argo Navis. The spelling of "puppis" remains unchanged in English, despite being a Latin word.
Puppis is a masculine Latin noun that refers to a specific constellation located in the southern celestial hemisphere. It is the largest constellation of the three constellations derived from the larger ancient constellation Argo Navis, which represents the mythical ship Argo. Puppis is found in the boundary area of the constellations Carina, Vela, and Puppis itself.
The term "puppis" can also refer to the stern or rear section of a ship. In ancient times, ships were divided into different sections, and the puppis was the rear part, often decorated with carvings, sculptures, or other ornaments. It provided stability and direction to the ship, being essential for navigation.
Furthermore, in biology, "puppis" refers to a genus of marine gastropod mollusks belonging to the family Buccinidae. These gastropods are commonly known as whelks and are characterized by a spiral-shaped shell and a carnivorous nature.
In summary, "puppis" encompasses a variety of contexts. In astronomy, it denotes a specific constellation. In the field of maritime history, it represents the stern section of a ship. Finally, in biology, it refers to a genus of marine gastropods known as whelks.
The word "puppis" has its roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word "puppis", which means "stern" or "rear portion of a ship". In classical Latin, it specifically referred to the afterpart of a ship or the part behind the middle section. It was used to identify the back or stern of a vessel. The term is often associated with naval terminology and has been adopted into scientific and astronomical contexts to refer to specific objects, particularly in astronomy, such as a constellation called Puppis.
