periapsis

/ˌpɛriˈæpsɪs/

Definitions of periapsis

1. noun

   (astronomy) the point in an orbit closest to the body being orbited
   synonyms: point of periapsis

   antonyms:

   apoapsis

   (astronomy) the point in an orbit farthest from the body being orbited

   types:

   perigee

   periapsis in Earth orbit; the point in its orbit where a satellite is nearest to the Earth

   perihelion

   periapsis in solar orbit; the point in the orbit of a planet or comet where it is nearest to the sun

   perijove

   periapsis in orbit around Jupiter

   perilune, periselene

   periapsis in orbit around the moon

   type of:

   celestial point

   a point in the heavens (on the celestial sphere)