Proximate
Proximate , adjective
[Latin proximatus, past participle of proximare to come near, to approach, from proximus the nearest, nest, superl. of propior nearer, and prope, adv., near.]
Nearest; next immediately preceding or following.
Proximate ancestors.
The proximate natural causes of it [the deluge].
Collocations (3)
Proximate analysis (Chemistry) , 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 (Physiology Chemistry) , 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.