perigee

noun

peri·​gee ˈper-ə-(ˌ)jē How to pronounce perigee (audio)
: 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 adjective

Examples of perigee in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for perigee 

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of perigee was in 1595

Dictionary Entries Near perigee

Cite this Entry

“Perigee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perigee. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

perigee

noun
peri·​gee ˈper-ə-jē How to pronounce perigee (audio)
: the point nearest a planet (as the earth) or other body (as a moon) reached by an object orbiting it compare apogee

More from Merriam-Webster on perigee

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