How to pronounce perihelion
Say it like per-uh-HEE-lee-un. Perihelion has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (HEE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce perihelion. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- per
- uh
- HEE
- lee
- un
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Perihelion pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- perGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- HEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of perihelion
American and British speakers say perihelion in essentially the same way: /ˌpɛrəˈhiliən/ in the US and /ˌpɛrɪˈhiːlɪən/ in the UK.
British respelling: per-ih-HEE-lih-un.
What does perihelion mean?
- The point in the elliptical orbit of a comet, planet, etc., where it is nearest to the Sun.
- The highest point or state; the peak, zenith.
Where does perihelion come from?
From perihelium (“perihelion”) (obsolete) + -ion (suffix used for other names of apsides).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with perihelion
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of perihelion.
Questions about saying perihelion
How do you pronounce perihelion?
Say per-uh-HEE-lee-un. The American pronunciation is /ˌpɛrəˈhiliən/. In British English it is /ˌpɛrɪˈhiːlɪən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in perihelion?
Perihelion has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (HEE). Broken into parts: per · uh · HEE · lee · un.
Do Americans and Brits say perihelion the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌpɛrəˈhiliən/ and the British form is /ˌpɛrɪˈhiːlɪən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.