word
perihelion
peh-rih-HEE-lee-un
ˌpɛrɪˈhiːliənListen
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Syllable breakdown
perihelion
Dictionary meaning
The point in a planet's orbit when it is closest to the Sun.
History and origin
Greek — 'peri' (near) + 'helios' (sun).
Examples
- Earth reaches perihelion in early January, when it is closest to the Sun.
Common mispronunciations
peh-rih-HEL-yunPEHR-ih-heel-ee-un
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