English Explanatory Dictionary

perihelion

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The point in the elliptical orbit of a comet, planet, etc., where it is nearest to the Sun.
  2. The highest point or state; the peak, zenith.

Pronunciation

pĕr'ĭ-hēʼlĭ-ən /ˌpɛɹ.ɪˈhiː.lɪ.ən/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-perihelion.wav pĕr'ə-hēʼlē-ən pĕr'ə-hēlʼyən /ˌpɛɹ.əˈhiː.li.ən/ /ˌpɛɹ.əˈhil.jən/

Word forms

perihelion perihelia perihelions

Etymology

PIE word *sóh₂wl̥ From perihelium (“perihelion”) (obsolete) + -ion (suffix used for other names of apsides). Perihelium is borrowed from Late Latin perihelium, from Ancient Greek περι- (peri-, “around; surrounding”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *per- (“before, in front; first”)) + ἥλιος (hḗlios, “sun”) (ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *sóh₂wl̥ (“sun”)), which was modelled after perigeum (“point in an orbit about the Earth that is closest to the Earth, perigee”).

Synonyms

ϖ acme apex zenith apogee apotheosis ascendance capstone climax coronation crown culmination Everest extreme fastigium high note high point high tide high-water mark midday outblossom paroxysm perihelion pinnacle summa summit

Antonyms

aphelion

Derived words

perihelial perihelian perihelic
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