pericynthion

(ˌpɛrɪˈsɪnθɪən)

(Astronautics) the point at which a spacecraft launched from earth into a lunar orbit is nearest the moon. Compare perilune, apocynthion

[C20: from peri- + -cynthion, from Cynthia]

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

pericynthion

perilune.

See also: Planets

Mentioned in

References in periodicals archive

In Greek and Roman mythology, goddesses Selene and Diana were alternatively called 'Cynthia' and it is intriguing to note that all three names are reflected in the terminology for lunar orbits - 'Apolune', 'Pericynthion' and 'Selenocentric'.

'Moon struck'

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