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periastron

noun
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peri·​as·​tron | \ ¦perē¦astrən, -ˌsträn \
plural periastra\ -​strə \

Definition of periastron

: the point in the orbit of a star or other celestial body where it is nearest to the primary star with reference to which it is revolving the periastron of a comet — compare apastron

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History and Etymology for periastron

New Latin, from peri- + Greek astron star

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Cite this Entry

“Periastron.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periastron. Accessed 18 January 2020.

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