proxima

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 ]