An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The nearest point to the Sun in an orbit around the Sun; opposite of → aphelion.

Etymology (EN): Perihelion, from L. perihelium, from → peri- + 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): Pirâhur, from pirâ-, → peri-, + hur “sun,” as above;