PERIAPSIS

periapsis, point of periapsis

(noun) (astronomy) the point in an orbit closest to the body being orbited

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

periapsis (plural periapsides)

(astronomy) The point of a body's elliptical orbit about the system's centre of mass where the distance between the body and the centre of mass is at its minimum.

Usage notes

In the case of some particular celestial bodies, specialised terms are used.

Synonyms

• pericenter

Antonyms

• apoapsis

Source: Wiktionary



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Word of the Day

2 April 2025

COVERT

(adjective) secret or hidden; not openly practiced or engaged in or shown or avowed; “covert actions by the CIA”; “covert funding for the rebels”


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Coffee Trivia

Some 16th-century Italian clergymen tried to ban coffee because they believed it to be “satanic.” However, Pope Clement VII loved coffee so much that he lifted the ban and had coffee baptized in 1600.

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