perigee

noun

peri·​gee ˈper-ə-(ˌ)jē 

: the point in the orbit of an object (such as a satellite) orbiting the earth that is nearest to the center of the earth

also : the point nearest a planet or a satellite (such as the moon) reached by an object orbiting it compare apogee

perigean

ˌper-ə-ˈjē-ən 

adjective

Examples of perigee in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This event, known as perigee, causes Mars to appear bigger and brighter in the sky than usual, offering skywatchers an excellent viewing opportunity, according to In-the-Sky.org. —Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 10 Jan. 2025

The moon’s orbital path around Earth is a slight ellipse, so there’s a near-point (perigee) and a far-point (apogee) every month. —Jamie Carter, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024

These two events — perigee and opposition — typically occur a few days apart based on the orbits of the two planets. —Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 10 Jan. 2025

Mars will reach perigee — its closest point to Earth — a few days earlier, on Jan. 12. 4. —Jamie Carter, Space.com, 29 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from New Latin perigeum, from Greek perigeion, from neuter of perigeios near the earth, from peri- + gē earth

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

perigee

noun

peri·​gee ˈper-ə-jē 

: the point nearest a planet (as the earth) or other body (as a moon) reached by an object orbiting it compare apogee