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Apogee Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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apogee

[หˆรฆpษ™หŒdส’i ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

astronomy term

Apogee refers to the point in the orbit of an object where it is farthest from the Earth. It is commonly used in the context of satellites and celestial bodies' orbits.

Synonyms

farthest point, maximum distance.

Examples of usage

  • The satellite reached apogee after a long ascent.
  • During the full moon, the distance to its apogee can significantly affect tides.
  • Scientists track the apogee of satellites to predict their orbital paths.
Context #2 | Noun

figurative meaning

In a metaphorical sense, apogee can also denote the highest point or culmination of something. This usage often refers to achievements or peaks in performance.

Synonyms

culmination, peak, summit.

Examples of usage

  • The musician reached the apogee of her career with that album.
  • His leadership coincided with the apogee of the companyโ€™s success.
  • The conference represented the apogee of collaborative innovation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In satellite orbits, an object's apogee can affect its speed and path due to gravitational pull.
  • The apogee of the Moon varies because its orbit is elliptical, causing it to be closer or farther from Earth.
  • Understanding apogee is crucial for planning space missions, as it influences when and how spacecraft are launched.

Pop Culture

  • The term 'apogee' is often used metaphorically in music and literature to indicate a peak moment in a story or song.
  • In the film industry, achieving commercial success can be described as reaching the apogee of one's career.
  • Famous artists and scientists have often referred to their greatest achievements as their apogee.

Literature

  • Many poets use 'apogee' to illustrate themes of reaching great heights or attaining aspirations.
  • In classic literature, characters reaching their apogee often undergo significant personal transformations or realizations.
  • The word symbolizes not just physical height but also emotional or intellectual peaks in characters' journeys.

Astronomy

  • In addition to the Moon, other celestial bodies, like satellites, have defined apogees that affect their orbits.
  • Astrophysicists monitor the apogee of different objects to predict future positions in space.
  • The concept is essential for understanding gravitational interactions between Earth and orbiting objects.

Origin of 'apogee'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'apogaion,' which means 'away from the Earth.'
  • It was first used in English in the 17th century, mainly in discussions about astronomy.
  • The prefix 'apo-' means 'away from,' indicating distance in this context.

The term 'apogee' is derived from the Greek word 'apogea,' combining 'apo-' meaning 'away from' and 'ge' meaning 'earth.' The usage of this term in astronomy dates back to at least the 14th century, when it was used to describe the furthest distance of the moon from the Earth. Over time, 'apogee' became commonly associated with artificial satellites and other celestial bodies, indicating their greatest distance from Earth in orbital mechanics. As the study of astronomy developed, the term evolved in both technical and figurative contexts, expanding its use in literature and everyday language to signify the highest point or peak of various phenomena.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,313, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.