perigee

[per-i-jee]

noun

Astronomy.

1. 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.

perigee

/ ˈpɛrɪˌdʒiː /

noun

1. the point in its orbit around the earth when the moon or an artificial satellite is nearest the earth Compare apogee

perigee

1. The point nearest Earth's center in the orbit of the Moon or an artificial satellite.

2. The point in an orbit that is nearest to the body being orbited.

3. Compare apogee perihelion

perigee

1. The point in the orbit of a satellite at which it is closest to its parent body. (Compare apogee.)

Other Word Forms

• perigeal adjective
• perigean adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of perigee¹

First recorded in 1585–95; from French perigée, from New Latin perigēum, perigaeum, from Greek perígeion (sēmeîon) “perigee,” literally “boundary, limit (surrounding the earth),” equivalent to neuter of perígeios “surrounding the earth,” ( peri- peri- + -geios, adjective derivative of gaîa, gê “the earth”)

Word History and Origins

Origin of perigee¹

C16: via French from Greek perigeion, from _peri- + gea earth

Example Sentences

A supermoon occurs when the moon reaches its perigee in orbit, meaning it is at its closest point to the Earth.

From BBC

If the Moon is full at its closest point to Earth - called the perigee - or within 90% of its closest point, it can be referred to as a 'supermoon'.

From BBC

The Moon has an elliptical orbit and when it is at its closest point to the Earth we say that it is in perigee.

From BBC

When it is at its closest we call it perigee.

From BBC

The Moon's orbit around Earth is elliptical which means there are times when it is further away - apogee - and times when it is closer - perigee.

From BBC

Related Words

• path 
• pattern 
• rotation 
• trajectory