Aphelion – ae f iy l y ax n
The point in an orbit when a planet is furthest from the sun
The Earth reached its aphelion on June 21st
Definition noun
Astronomy. the point in the orbit of a planet or a comet at which it is farthest from the sun.
How to Pronounce
Synonyms for aphelion
Dictionary Entries near aphelion
aphanitic, aphasia, aphasic, aphasiology, aphelandra, aphelion, apheliotropic, apheliotropism, aphemia, apheresis, aphesis
First known use
1650–60; Hellenized form of New Latin aphēlium<Greek *aphḗlion (diástēma) off-sun (distance), neuter of *aphḗlios (adj.), equivalent to ap-ap-2 + hḗli(os) sun + -os adj. suffix.
