Definition of perigee
: 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
From the M-W Editors
Recent Examples of perigee from the Web
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There will be a difficult-to-see new moon May 25, at its monthly perigee (officially, May 26), the closest distance this year to Earth.
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And because the size of the moon's orbit varies slightly over time, each month's perigee is not always the same distance from Earth.
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Because its orbit around Earth is egg-shaped, there are times during the lunar cycle when the moon is at its shortest distance from Earth (called perigee) and times when the moon is at its farthest distance from Earth (called apogee).
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'perigee.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of perigee
Middle French, from New Latin perigeum, from Greek perigeion, from neuter of perigeios near the earth, from peri- + gē earth
PERIGEE Defined for English Language Learners
perigee
playDefinition of perigee for English Language Learners
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: the point in outer space where an object traveling around the Earth (such as a satellite or the moon) is closest to the Earth
Learn More about perigee
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about perigee
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