perigee

[ per-i-jee ]
/ ˈpɛr ɪˌdʒi /

noun Astronomy.

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.

Origin of perigee

1585–95; < French perigée < New Latin perigēum, perigaeum < Greek perígeion ( sēmeîon limit), neuter of perígeios near, of the earth, equivalent to peri- peri- + -geios, adj. derivative of gaîa, gê the earth

OTHER WORDS FROM perigee

per·i·ge·al, per·i·ge·an, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for perigee

British Dictionary definitions for perigee

perigee
/ (ˈpɛrɪˌdʒiː) /

noun

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

Derived forms of perigee

perigean or perigeal, adjective

Word Origin for perigee

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

Scientific definitions for perigee

perigee
[ pĕrə-jē ]

The point nearest Earth's center in the orbit of the Moon or an artificial satellite.
The point in an orbit that is nearest to the body being orbited. Compare apogee perihelion.

Cultural definitions for perigee

perigee
[ (per-uh-jee) ]

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