First Known Use: 1594
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perigee
noun peri·gee \ˈper-ə-(ˌ)jē\
: the point in outer space where an object traveling around the Earth (such as a satellite or the moon) is closest to the Earth
Full Definition of PERIGEE
: the point in the orbit of an object (as a satellite) orbiting the earth that is nearest to the center of the earth; also : the point nearest a planet or a satellite (as the moon) reached by an object orbiting it — compare apogee
— peri·ge·an \ˌper-ə-ˈjē-ən\ adjective
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Origin of PERIGEE
Middle French, from New Latin perigeum, from Greek perigeion, from neuter of perigeios near the earth, from peri- + gē earth
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