perigee

[ per-i-jee ]

noun

, Astronomy.

1. the point in the orbit of a heavenly body, especially the moon, or of an artificial satellite at which it is nearest to the earth.

perigee

/ ˈpɛrɪˌdʒiː /

noun

1. See apogee
   the point in its orbit around the earth when the moon or an artificial satellite is nearest the earth Compare apogee

perigee

/ pĕr′ə-jē /

1. The point nearest Earth's center in the orbit of the Moon or an artificial satellite.
2. The point in an orbit that is nearest to the body being orbited.
3. Compare apogee

perigee

1. The point in the orbit of a satellite at which it is closest to its parent body. ( Compare apogee .)

Derived Forms

• ˌperiˈgean, adjective

Other Words From

• peri·geal peri·gean adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of perigee¹

First recorded in 1585–95; from French perigée, from New Latin perigēum, perigaeum, from Greek perígeion (sēmeîon) “perigee,” literally “boundary, limit (surrounding the earth),” equivalent to neuter of perígeios “surrounding the earth,” ( peri- peri- + -geios, adjective derivative of gaîa, gê “the earth”)

Word History and Origins

Origin of perigee¹

C16: via French from Greek perigeion, from peri- + gea earth

Example Sentences

Falcon 9’s second stage deployed the satellites into their intended orbit, with a perigee of approximately 210 kilometers above Earth, and each satellite achieved controlled flight.

From Time

An habitual liar's nearest approach to truth: the perigee of his eccentric orbit.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a remarkable eclipse in that the Moon was within 13° of perigee and the Sun only 2° from apogee.

From Project Gutenberg

The Babylonians knew of the inequality in the daily motion of the sun, but misplaced by 10 the perigee of his orbit.

From Project Gutenberg

He used, however, the old word "perigee" (nearness to the earth) rather than the Newtonian "perihelion" (nearness to the sun).

From Project Gutenberg

Where yet he noteth, that according to another Calculation, the Perigee was March 27.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• path
• pattern
• rotation
• trajectory