approx

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 ]

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. 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 ]