- Proximate
- Proximate Prox"i*mate, 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]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.