perihelion

noun peri·he·lion \ˌper-ə-ˈhēl-yən\

plural peri·he·lia\-ˈhēl-yə\

Definition of PERIHELION

: the point in the path of a celestial body (as a planet) that is nearest to the sun — compare aphelion

— peri·he·lial \-ˈhēl-yəl\ adjective

See perihelion defined for kids

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

First Known Use: 1666

Next Word in the Dictionary: perijovePrevious Word in the Dictionary: perigynousAll Words Near: perihelion

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