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Webster 1913 Edition


Proximate

Prox′i-mate

,
Adj.
[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.
The
proximate
natural causes of it [the deluge].
T. Burnet.
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.
Syn. – Nearest; next; closest; immediate; direct.

Webster 1828 Edition


Proximate

PROX'IMATE

,
Adj.
[L. superl.proximus.] Nearest; next. A proximate cause is that which immediately precedes and produces the effect, as distinguished from the remote, mediate or predisposing cause.