perigee

noun

peri·​gee ˈper-ə-(ˌ)jē How to pronounce perigee (audio)
: the point in the orbit of an object (such as a satellite) orbiting the earth that is nearest to the center of the earth
also : the point nearest a planet or a satellite (such as the moon) reached by an object orbiting it compare apogee
perigean adjective

Examples of perigee in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web That phenomenon occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit, known as perigee. The Arizona Republic, 4 Mar. 2024 This happens when the full moon falls at perigee – its closest point to Earth in its orbit. Carlie Procell, The Courier-Journal, 25 Jan. 2024 These happen when the moon’s orbit is the closest to Earth (or in perigee) during a full moon. Arianna Johnson, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 In that position, known as perigee, the moon exerts its strongest gravitational pull, and the difference between high and low tides is the greatest. Paul Duginski, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2024 Some astronomers say the phenomenon occurs when the moon is within 90% of perigee — its closest approach to Earth in orbit. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 25 Jan. 2024 The final burn of the upper stage raised the perigee, or low point, of the orbit, shortening the time needed for Jupiter 3 to use its own propulsion to maneuver into its final operational orbit. Eric Bangeman, Ars Technica, 29 July 2023 But the military kept the exact orbit a secret, and amateur skywatchers will be closely watching for signs of the spaceplane passing overhead in hopes of estimating its apogee, perigee, and inclination. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 5 Jan. 2024 On November 1, Jupiter was at a very close distance to the Earth called perigee. Lisa Stardust, refinery29.com, 28 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'perigee.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from New Latin perigeum, from Greek perigeion, from neuter of perigeios near the earth, from peri- + earth

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of perigee was in 1595

Dictionary Entries Near perigee

Cite this Entry

“Perigee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perigee. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

perigee

noun
peri·​gee ˈper-ə-jē How to pronounce perigee (audio)
: the point nearest a planet (as the earth) or other body (as a moon) reached by an object orbiting it compare apogee

More from Merriam-Webster on perigee

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