Main Entry: peri·he·lion

Pronunciation: \ˌper-ə-ˈhēl-yən\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural peri·he·lia \-ˈhēl-yə\

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

Date: 1666

: the point in the path of a celestial body (as a planet) that is nearest to the sun — compare aphelion

— peri·he·lial \-ˈhēl-yəl\ adjective