APOGEE

apogee

(noun) apoapsis in Earth orbit; the point in its orbit where a satellite is at the greatest distance from the Earth

apogee, culmination

(noun) a final climactic stage; “their achievements stand as a culmination of centuries of development”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

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Etymology

Noun

apogee (plural apogees)

(astronomy) The point, in an orbit about the Earth, that is furthest from the Earth: the apoapsis of an Earth orbiter.

(astronomy, more generally) The point, in an orbit about any planet, that is farthest from the planet: the apoapsis of any satellite.

(possibly, archaic, outside, astrology) The point, in any trajectory of an object in space, where it is furthest from the Earth.

(figuratively) The highest point.

Synonyms

• (point in an orbit): apocenter, apoapsis, apsis

• (highest point or state): acme, culmination, pinnacle, zenith, climax

• See also apex

Antonyms

• (a point in an orbit): periapsis

• (a point in an orbit around the Earth): perigee

• (highest point): nadir, perigee

Source: Wiktionary

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Ap"o*gee, n. Etym: [Gr. apogée.]

1. (Astron.)

Definition: That point in the orbit of the moon which is at the greatest distance from the earth.

Note: Formerly, on the hypothesis that the earth is in the center of the system, this name was given to that point in the orbit of the sun, or of a planet, which was supposed to be at the greatest distance from the earth.

2. Fig.: The farthest or highest point; culmination.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

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