perigee
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peri·gee

noun \ˈper-ə-(ˌ)jē\

Definition of PERIGEE

: the point in the orbit of an object (as a satellite) orbiting the earth that is nearest to the center of the earth; also : the point nearest a planet or a satellite (as the moon) reached by an object orbiting it — compare apogee
peri·ge·an \ˌper-ə-ˈjē-ən\ adjective

Origin of PERIGEE

Middle French, from New Latin perigeum, from Greek perigeion, from neuter of perigeios near the earth, from peri- + earth
First Known Use: 1594

Other Astronomy Terms

gibbous, nadir, nebulous, penumbra, retrograde, sidereal, syzygy, wane, wax, zenith

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