perilune

[per-i-loon]

noun

1. the point in the orbit of a heavenly body that is nearest to the moon.

perilune

/ ˈpɛrɪˌluːn /

noun

1. the point in a lunar orbit when a spacecraft launched from the moon is nearest the moon Compare apolune pericynthion

perilune

1. The point at which an object orbiting the Moon, such as an artificial satellite, is closest to the Moon's center.

Word History and Origins

Origin of perilune¹

First recorded in 1955–60; peri- + -lune, from Latin lūna “moon,” on the model of perigee

Word History and Origins

Origin of perilune¹

C20: from _peri- + -lune, from Latin lūna moon

Example Sentences

We were alluding to a very elliptical orbit with a low perilune “above” the north pole and apolune “above” the south pole.

From Scientific American