Perigee
/ˈpɛr.ɪ.dʒiː/noun
The point in the orbit of an object where it is closest to the Earth.
Did you know?The term 'Perigee' derives from ancient Greek, where 'peri' means 'around' and 'ge' means 'earth', emphasizing its close relationship with our planet.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
περίγειος
“Around the Earth or near the Earth.”
Middle French
French
périgée
“The point closest to Earth in an orbit.”
17th Century
English
perigee
“Adoption into English as a scientific term for the closest point of an orbit.”
Modern English
English
perigee
“The standard term used in astronomy for the closest point to Earth in an orbit.”