Pronunciation: [ˈapə͡ʊd͡ʒˌiː] (IPA) 
The word "apogee" is spelled with four letters and three syllables. It is pronounced /ˈæpədʒi:/, with stress on the second syllable. The first two letters are pronounced as a single sound, /æp/. The next syllable is /ə/ and is pronounced quickly and lightly. The final syllable is /dʒi:/ and has the same sound as the letter "J". The word is used to describe the highest point or climax of something, such as a career or achievement.
Apogee is a noun that has both scientific and symbolic meanings. In scientific terms, it refers to the point in an object's orbit around another celestial body (usually Earth or another planet) that is farthest from that body. It represents the highest point in the orbit's elliptical path. The term is often used specifically in relation to the Moon's orbit around Earth. The opposite of apogee is perigee, which describes the point in the orbit that is closest to the Earth.
Symbolically, apogee is often used to describe the pinnacle or climax of something, such as an individual's career, a piece of art, or an empire's influence. It signifies the highest or most significant moment of achievement and success. This metaphorical use of apogee connotes the idea of reaching a peak or zenith, indicating that something has achieved its maximum potential or impact.
In both scientific and symbolic contexts, apogee carries the notion of distance or departure, whether it is the farthest physical point in an orbit or the acme of achievement. It implies a sense of culmination, attainment, or culmination of a journey. The word originated from the Greek word "apogeios," which combines "apo," meaning away or off, and "ge," meaning Earth. This etymology further illustrates the concept of moving away from Earth to attain the highest point.
The point in the moon's orbit, or that of a planet, most remote from the earth.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "apogee" comes from the Greek word "apogaion", which is a combination of "apo" (away from) and "ge" (earth). In astronomy, "apogee" refers to the point in the orbit of a celestial body (such as the Moon) when it is farthest from the Earth. The term is also used metaphorically to describe the highest or most distant point in a process, achievement, or development.
