pericenter

P3E1R1I1C3E1N1T1E1R1

noun

The point of closest approach of an astronomical object in an elliptical orbit to its center of attraction.

Similar
perifocus
Opposite
apocenter
OriginEnglish center ← Middle English center ← Middle French centre →
Scrabble 14
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Meanings

nounpericenter (plural pericenters)

plural pericenters · alternative pericentre

  1. astronomyThe point of closest approach of an astronomical object in an elliptical orbit to its center of attraction.

    Synonyms: perifocus · Antonyms: apocenter

Synonyms & antonyms

nounThe point of closest approach of an astronomical object in an elliptical orbit to its center of attraction.

Similar
perifocus
Opposite
apocenter
Also see
periapsis

Origin

  1. Proto-Indo-European*per-
  2. Ancient Greekπερῐ́ (perĭ́)
  3. Englishperi-
  4. Proto-Indo-European*ḱen-?
  5. Proto-Indo-European*ḱéntrom
  6. Proto-Hellenic*kéntron
  7. Ancient Greekκέντρον (kéntron)
  8. Latincentrum
  9. Middle Frenchcentre
  10. Middle Englishcenter
  11. Englishcenter
  12. Englishpericenter

From peri- + center.

Full word history & related roots →

Translations

Polish perycentrum
  • perycentrumTranslations
Cite this entry
APA

pericenter. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/pericenter

MLA

“pericenter.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/pericenter. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “pericenter,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/pericenter.

Source: pericenter on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.