perihelion
the point in the orbit of a planet or comet at which it is nearest to the sun.
Compare Meanings
Click for a side-by-side comparison of meanings. Use the word comparison feature to learn the differences between similar and commonly confused words.
Origin of perihelion
1Other words from perihelion
- per·i·he·li·al, per·i·he·li·an, adjective
- Compare aphelion.
Words Nearby perihelion
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use perihelion in a sentence
The point where a planet’s orbit comes closest to the sun is its perihelion.
I'm not trying to calculate the perihelion of Jupiter or do 3D renderings of the National Cathedral.
The direction of the axis major of the orbit, which was found by calculating the longitude of the comet's perihelion.
Off on a Comet | Jules VerneThe comet returned at the appointed time; and on the 12th of March, 1759, reached its perihelion.
Young Folks' Library, Volume XI (of 20) | VariousAt its perihelion it travels thousands of leagues per minute; at its aphelion it does not pass over more than a few yards.
Young Folks' Library, Volume XI (of 20) | Various
The only sensible effect will be a secular motion of the perihelion.
The motion of Mercury's perihelion would therefore be 7´´ in the theory of Lorentz and 5´´.6 in that of Abraham.
British Dictionary definitions for perihelion
/ (ˌpɛrɪˈhiːlɪən) /
the point in its orbit when a planet or comet is nearest the sun: Compare aphelion
Origin of perihelion
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for perihelion
[ pĕr′ə-hē′lē-ən ]
The point at which an orbiting object, such as a planet or a comet, is closest to the Sun. Compare aphelion perigee.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Browse