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.
During the probe's Dec. 24 close approach, known as perihelion, NASA mission control will be unable to contact Parker for some three days. Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2024 The comet Lovejoy, which reached its perihelion in Dec. 2011, remains the only Kreutz Path comet to have survived its brush with the sun. Max Hauptman, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024 The comet successfully reached perihelion, its closest point to the sun in its orbital path around the parent star, on September 27, and was visible for those in the Southern Hemisphere in September and early October. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 9 Oct. 2024 Since its discovery, the comet has traveled toward the sun and has reached its perihelion – its closest orbital point to the sun – on Sept. 27. Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY, 4 Oct. 2024 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 21 Nov. 2024.

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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