What does "perihelion" mean?
The point in the elliptical orbit of a comet, planet, etc., where it is nearest to the Sun.
Perihelion
/ˌpɛɹ.ɪˈhiː.lɪ.ən/ noun
noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The point in the elliptical orbit of a comet, planet, etc., where it is nearest to the Sun.
- Grammar: perihelion is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: apex, apogee, circle, closest approach.
- Useful contrasts: aphelia, aphelion, aphelions.
- Usage evidence: The general theory of relativity explains the anomalous perihelion precession of the planet Mercury.
How to use "perihelion"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "perihelion" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "perihelion" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "perihelion" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "perihelion" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "perihelion" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "apex" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "perihelion", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The point in the elliptical orbit of a comet, planet, etc., where it is nearest to the Sun.
"The æquation of the Earth encreaſeth from her Aphelion, until ſhe come to the point where it's greateſt, and from thence it again decreaſeth till ſhe come to her Perihelion, or oppoſite Auge: in like manner it increaſeth from her Perihelion to the point where it's greateſt, and afterwards decreaſeth till ſhe come againe to the Auge or Aphelion, [...]"
- 2 periapsis in solar orbit; the point in the orbit of a planet or comet where it is nearest to the sun wordnet
- 3 The highest point or state; the peak, zenith. figuratively
"[T]he magnificence of his compliment had quite shaken the general's [Ulysses S. Grant's] modesty, and that he could only say that France must come to the perihelion of her glory under such rulers as Grevy [i.e., Jules Grévy]."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"The general theory of relativity explains the anomalous perihelion precession of the planet Mercury."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "perihelion"?
Common synonyms include: apex, apogee, circle, closest approach, conjugation, conjunction.
How do you use "perihelion" in a sentence?
The general theory of relativity explains the anomalous perihelion precession of the planet Mercury.
How do you pronounce "perihelion"?
Pronounced /ˌpɛɹ.ɪˈhiː.lɪ.ən/.
Etymology
PIE word *sóh₂wl̥ From perihelium (“perihelion”) (obsolete) + -ion (suffix used for other names of apsides). Perihelium is borrowed from Late Latin perihelium, from Ancient Greek περι- (peri-, “around; surrounding”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *per- (“before, in front; first”)) + ἥλιος (hḗlios, “sun”) (ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *sóh₂wl̥ (“sun”)), which was modelled after perigeum (“point in an orbit about the Earth that is closest to the Earth, perigee”).