An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The point in the orbit of a planet, or other object in the solar system, which is furthest from the Sun.

Etymology (EN): Aphelion, from L. aphelium, from Gk. → apo- + helios “sun,” cognate with L. sol, Skt. surya, Av. hvar-, Mod.Pers. xor, hur, O.H.G. sunna, Ger. Sonne, E. sun; PIE *sawel- “sun”.

Etymology (PE): Apâhur, from Pers. prefix apâ, → apo-, + hur “sun.”