per·i·he·li·on (p r  -h  l-n, -hlyn)n. pl. per·i·he·li·a (-h l-, -hly) The point nearest the sun in the orbit of a planet or other celestial body. per i·heli·al (-hl-l, -hlyl) adj. |   |
wel- in Indo-European roots.]perihelion [ˌpɛrɪˈhiːlɪən]
n pl -lia [-lɪə]
(Astronomy) the point in its orbit when a planet or comet is nearest the sun Compare aphelion
[from New Latin perihēlium, from peri- + Greek hēlios sun]
| perihelion (pr-hl-n) |  |
perihelion
the point in the orbit of a heavenly body where it is nearest the sun. Also called perihelium. See also aphelion.
See also: Planetsthe point in the orbit of a heavenly body where it is nearest the sun. Also spelled perihelium. Cf. aphelion.
See also: Astronomy
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  perihelion - periapsis in solar orbit; the point in the orbit of a planet or comet where it is nearest to the sunperiapsis, point of periapsis - (astronomy) the point in an orbit closest to the body being orbited aphelion - apoapsis in solar orbit; the point in the orbit of a planet or comet that is at the greatest distance from the sun |
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