perigee
noun
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.
perigean
-
a word derived from
perigee.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
King tides are not a scientific term — scientists call them perigean spring tides.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 13, 2024
The researchers increased their collection of samples at each monitoring site on the days of the perigean spring tides, to capture changes in water quality throughout the tidal cycle.
From Science Daily ● Apr. 23, 2024
When the new or full moon coincides with or is close to perigee, usually six to eight times a year, the result is a perigean spring tide, or what is popularly called a king tide.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 9, 2024
King tides, also known as a perigean spring tides, are the highest tides of the year — reaching up to 13 feet in the central Puget Sound and even higher in the westernmost region.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 30, 2022
A supermoon, also known by astronomers as a perigean full moon, occurs when a full moon reaches its closest point to the Earth in its elliptical orbit, making it appear unusually bright and large.
From Slate ● Mar. 20, 2019
