perigee

Meanings

1. The point, in an orbit about the Earth, that is closest to the Earth: the periapsis of an Earth orbiter.
2. The point, in an orbit about any planet, that is closest to the planet: the periapsis of any satellite.
3. The point, in any trajectory of an object in space, where it is closest to the Earth.

Etymology

From French périgée via Latin perigeum, perigaeum, ultimately from Ancient Greek περί (perí, “near”) + γῆ (gê, “Earth”).

Translations