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Word of the Day Wednesday, June 10, 2026

periapsis

/ˌpɛriˈæpsɪs/ noun · British & US
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What does periapsis mean?

noun

The point in the orbit of a celestial body at which it is closest to the body it is orbiting. In a hyperbolic trajectory, the point at which a celestial body is closest to the body it is approaching.

Example

"The spacecraft reached its periapsis and began its descent towards the planet's surface."

Definition generated by AI and curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Synonyms for periapsis

Antonyms of periapsis

Rhymes with periapsis

Etymologically related