perihelion

noun

peri·​he·​lion ˌper-ə-ˈhēl-yən How to pronounce perihelion (audio)
plural perihelia ˌper-ə-ˈhēl-yə How to pronounce perihelion (audio)
: the point nearest to the sun in the path of an orbiting celestial body (such as a planet) compare aphelion
perihelial adjective

Examples of perihelion 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.
As seen from our planet today, the day after perihelion, the comet is situated near the constellation Capricornus, very close to the sun. John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025 Simulations show its location at dusk in the days after perihelion, reports the organization. Skyler Caruso, People.com, 10 Jan. 2025 The comet is expected to reach perihelion on Jan. 13 at 10:17 Universal Time (UT), at a distance of 8,695,216 miles (13,993,594 km) from the sun. Joe Rao, Space.com, 9 Jan. 2025 On Saturday, our planet at perihelion will be just 0.98333 astronomical units (about 147 million kilometers or 91 million miles) from the sun. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for perihelion 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from peri- + Greek hēlios sun — more at solar

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of perihelion was in 1666

Dictionary Entries Near perihelion

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

perihelion

noun
peri·​he·​lion ˌper-ə-ˈhēl-yən How to pronounce perihelion (audio)
: the point in the path of a heavenly body (as a planet) that is nearest to the sun

More from Merriam-Webster on perihelion

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