Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
point of apoapsis

point of apoapsis

9.9
The point in an orbit that is farthest from the planet or star it goes around
  • noun
  • /pɔɪnt əv ˈæpoʊˌæpsɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : punto de apoapsis
  • The satellite reached its point of apoapsis before beginning its descent toward Earth again.

Examples

  • Calculations must account for the distance at the point of apoapsis to ensure a stable orbit.

  • At the point of apoapsis, the spacecraft is moving at its slowest speed along its orbit.

  • The point of apoapsis is crucial.

  • The point of apoapsis is fascinating!

  • At the point of apoapsis, the spacecraft is moving at its slowest speed along its orbit.

  • Calculations must account for the distance at the point of apoapsis to ensure a stable orbit.

  • The satellite reached its point of apoapsis before beginning its descent toward Earth again.

Synonyms

apogee
vspoint of apoapsis
  • Specialized
2 9.4

The point in a satellite's path that is farthest from Earth

is the general term for any central body rather than Earth specifically
aphelion
vspoint of apoapsis
  • Specialized
1 9.9

The point in a planet's or comet's orbit when it is farthest from the sun

is the general term for farthest point from any central body not only the sun
apoapsis
vspoint of apoapsis
  • Specialized
9.9

The point in an orbit when an object is farthest from the planet or star it goes around

is the generic term applying to any central body rather than a specific one
apastron
vspoint of apoapsis
  • Specialized
9.9

The point in an orbit when a star or planet is farthest from the object it goes around

is the general term used for any orbiting body rather than only stars or planets

Antonyms

point of periapsis
  • Specialized
9.9

A place in an orbit where an object is closest to the planet or star it goes around

Surface Forms

point of apoapsis singular
points of apoapsis plural

Morphology

point + of + apoapsis

The phrase is fully compositional: 'apoapsis' already names the farthest point in an orbit and the 'point of' construction simply picks out that specific position. This follows a regular noun + of + noun pattern found across languages, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent meanings would understand it.

Etymology

The term point of apoapsis comes from a simple image: it is the point in an object's orbit that is farthest from the body it is orbiting. The part apo means 'away' and apsis means 'point', so the name really says 'the farthest point', which explains why it means that spot in the orbit.