First Known Use: 1661
Dictionary
proximate
adjective prox·i·mate \ˈpräk-sə-mət\
: coming or happening immediately before or after something in a way that shows a very close and direct relationship
Full Definition of PROXIMATE
1
: immediately preceding or following (as in a chain of events, causes, or effects) <proximate, rather than ultimate, goals — Reinhold Niebuhr>
2
— prox·i·mate·ly adverb
— prox·i·mate·ness noun
See proximate defined for English-language learners
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Origin of PROXIMATE
Latin proximatus, past participle of proximare to approach, from proximus nearest, next, superl. of prope near — more at approach
Medical Dictionary
proximate
adjective prox·i·mate \ˈpräk-sə-mət\
Medical Definition of PROXIMATE
1
a : very near b : next, preceding, or following; especially : relating to or being a proximate cause
2
: determined by proximate analysis
3
: proximal 1b
—prox·i·mate·ly adverb
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