perilune
|per-i-lune|
/ˈpɛrɪluːn/
closest point to the Moon
Etymology
'perilune' originates from Modern Latin/Neo-Latin, specifically the term 'periluna,' where the Greek prefix 'peri-' meant 'around' and the Latin 'luna' meant 'moon'.
'perilune' was formed by analogy with orbital terms like 'perigee' and 'pericenter' (from Greek 'peri-' plus other roots) and entered English via scientific Latin usage in the 19th–20th centuries.
Initially it referred specifically to the nearest point in a lunar orbit; over time it has retained and remained a technical astronomical term meaning the same.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the point in an orbit around the Moon that is closest to the Moon.
The spacecraft reached its perilune before beginning the landing maneuver.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/12 23:18