aphelion

noun

plural aphelia a-ˈfēl-yə How to pronounce aphelion (audio)
ˌap-ˈhēl-
: the point farthest from the sun in the path of an orbiting celestial body (such as a planet) compare perihelion

Did you know?

Aphelion and perihelion are troublesome terms. Which one means a planet is nearest to the sun and which means it is farthest away? An etymology lesson may help you keep those words straight. Just remember that the "ap" of aphelion derives from a Latin prefix that means "away from" (the mnemonic "'A' for 'away'" can help too); peri-, on the other hand, means "near." And how are aphelion and perihelion related to the similar-looking astronomical pair apogee and perigee? Etymology explains again. The "helion" of aphelion and perihelion is based on the Greek word hēlios, meaning "sun," while the "gee" of apogee and perigee is based on gaia, meaning "earth." The first pair describes distance in relation to the sun, the second in relation to the Earth.

Examples of aphelion 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.
At aphelion, Earth is 94.5 million miles (152 million kilometers) from the sun. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025 The band of clouds that forms across the planet’s equator at this time of year, called the aphelion cloud belt, is on prominent display in Odyssey’s new panorama. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 18 June 2025 The clouds occur when air rushes up the volcanoes' slopes, cooling and condensing into visible vapor, and are particularly dense when Mars is at aphelion—the farthest point along its orbit from the Sun. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 June 2025 Clouds that form during this time at the planet's equator are known as the aphelion cloud belt, according to NASA. Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for aphelion

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from apo- + Greek hēlios sun — more at solar

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aphelion was in 1656

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Cite this Entry

“Aphelion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aphelion. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

aphelion

noun
aph·​elion a-ˈfēl-yən How to pronounce aphelion (audio)
plural aphelia -yə How to pronounce aphelion (audio)
: the point in the orbit of a heavenly body (as a planet) that is farthest from the sun

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