a. [ L. approximatus, p. p. of approximare to approach; ad + proximare to come near. See Proximate. ] 1. Approaching; proximate; nearly resembling. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Near correctness; nearly exact; not perfectly accurate; as, approximate results or values. [ 1913 Webster ]

Approximate quantities (Math.), those which are nearly, but not, equal. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Approximated p. pr. & vb. n. Approximating. ] 1. To carry or advance near; to cause to approach. [ 1913 Webster ]

To approximate the inequality of riches to the level of nature. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To come near to; to approach. [ 1913 Webster ]

The telescope approximates perfection. J. Morse. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To draw; to approach. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. With approximation; so as to approximate; nearly. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. approximation, LL. approximatio. ] 1. The act of approximating; a drawing, advancing or being near; approach; also, the result of approximating. [ 1913 Webster ]

The largest capacity and the most noble dispositions are but an approximation to the proper standard and true symmetry of human nature. I. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. An approach to a correct estimate, calculation, or conception, or to a given quantity, quality, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Math.) (a) A continual approach or coming nearer to a result; as, to solve an equation by approximation. (b) A value that is nearly but not exactly correct. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Cf. F. approximatif. ] Approaching; approximate. -- Ap*prox"i*ma*tive*ly, adv. -- Ap*prox"i*ma*tive*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who, or that which, approximates. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. [ Proximal + L. ad to. ] (Anat.) Toward a proximal part; on the proximal side of; proximally. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. 1. Toward or nearest, as to a body, or center of motion of dependence; proximate. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Biol.) (a) Situated near the point of attachment or origin; as, the proximal part of a limb. (b) Of or pertaining to that which is proximal; as, the proximal bones of a limb. Opposed to distal. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. (Anat.) On or toward a proximal part; proximad. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. proximatus, p. p. of proximare to come near, to approach, fr. proximus the nearest, nest, superl. of propior nearer, and prope, adv., near. ] Nearest; next immediately preceding or following. “Proximate ancestors.” J. S. Harford. [ 1913 Webster ]

The proximate natural causes of it [ the deluge ]. T. Burnet. [ 1913 Webster ]

Proximate analysis (Chem.), an analysis which determines the proximate principles of any substance, as contrasted with an ultimate analysis. --
Proximate cause. (a) A cause which immediately precedes and produces the effect, as distinguished from the remote, mediate, or predisposing cause. I. Watts. (b) That which in ordinary natural sequence produces a specific result, no independent disturbing agencies intervening. --
Proximate principle (Physiol. Chem.), one of a class of bodies existing ready formed in animal and vegetable tissues, and separable by chemical analysis, as albumin, sugar, collagen, fat, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Nearest; next; closest; immediate; direct. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a proximate manner, position, or degree; immediately. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. proximus. See Proximate. ] Next; immediately preceding or following. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Proximate. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. proximitas: cf. F. proximité See Proximate, and cf. Propinquity, Approach. ] The quality or state of being next in time, place, causation, influence, etc.; immediate nearness, either in place, blood, or alliance. [ 1913 Webster ]

If he plead proximity of blood
That empty title is with ease withstood. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

[ L., on the next, abl. of proximus next. ] In the next month after the present; -- often contracted to prox.; as, on the 3d proximo. [ 1913 Webster ]