perihelion Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun periapsis in solar orbit; the point in the orbit of a planet or comet where it is nearest to the sun

WordNet

Per`i*hel"ion, Per`i*he"li*um noun (Also<
  • Perihelion
  • Perihelium
)
Etymology
NL., fr. Gr. about, near + the sun.
Wordforms
plural Perihelia
Definitions
  1. (Astron.) That point of the orbit of a planet or comet which is nearest to the sun; -- opposed to aphelion.

Webster 1913