perihelion

noun

peri·​he·​lion ˌper-ə-ˈhēl-yən 

plural perihelia ˌper-ə-ˈhēl-yə 

: the point nearest to the sun in the path of an orbiting celestial body (such as a planet) compare aphelion

perihelial

ˌper-ə-ˈhēl-yəl 

adjective

Examples of perihelion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Unfortunately, for those living north of the equator, the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the comet was fleeting, lasting only for about a week, centered on the day of perihelion. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 27 Jan. 2025

At the time of its perihelion, Comet C/2024 G3 may shine about as brightly as Venus, at around negative 4.5 magnitude. —Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 11 Jan. 2025

There’s a lot less landmass, which negates the impact of perihelion. —Jamie Carter, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025

Unlike other planets that have a more or less circular, equatorial orbit around the sun, Pluto’s is sharply inclined and highly elliptical, with a perihelion, or close approach to the sun, of roughly 2.7 billion miles, and an apehelion, or furthest remove from the sun, of 4.67 billion miles. —Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 18 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for perihelion

• abelian
• carnelian
• hegelian
• karelian
• aristotelian
• elian

Kids Definition

perihelion

noun

peri·​he·​lion ˌper-ə-ˈhēl-yən 

: the point in the path of a heavenly body (as a planet) that is nearest to the sun