Perigean

Part of speech: adjective, noun

Definitions

1. This term describes the position within an orbit at which an object is nearest to a celestial body, often in reference to moons or satellites in their elliptical paths
2. It signifies the closest point an orbiting object reaches to a planet, particularly when discussing lunar or satellite trajectories
3. This term refers to the closest approach of an orbiting entity to a celestial body, especially notable in the context of lunar and satellite movements

Etymology: Perigean describes the point in the Moon's orbit, or in the orbit of any body around a planet, where it passes closest to that planet. It is built from "perigee" with the adjectival suffix "-an," so the word is simply "perigee" turned into a description. The base word itself goes back to Greek "perigeion," from "peri" meaning "around" or "near" and "gaia" meaning "earth," so the sense is "near the earth," the point at which the Moon swings nearest to us. Because the suffix is added to an existing word, the term is a straightforward formation rather than a coinage with a notable author or date. Its meaning follows directly from its parts, and it is used mainly in astronomy when discussing the Moon, a satellite, or a spacecraft in its closest approach to a planet.