perilune

[ per-i-loon ]

noun

1. the point in the orbit of a heavenly body that is nearest to the moon.

perilune

/ ˈpɛrɪˌluːn /

noun

1. the point in a lunar orbit when a spacecraft launched from the moon is nearest the moon Compare apolune pericynthion

perilune

/ pĕr′ĭ-lo̅o̅n′ /

1. The point at which an object orbiting the Moon, such as an artificial satellite, is closest to the Moon's center.

Word History and Origins

Origin of perilune¹

First recorded in 1955–60; peri- + -lune, from Latin lūna “moon,” on the model of perigee

Word History and Origins

Origin of perilune¹

C20: from peri- + -lune, from Latin lūna moon

Example Sentences

We were alluding to a very elliptical orbit with a low perilune “above” the north pole and apolune “above” the south pole.

From Scientific American