Dictionary definitions
- Enter a word for the dictionary definition.
proximate
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
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]
.
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Analysis \A*nal"y*sis\, n.; pl. Analyses. [Gr. ?, fr. ? to unloose, to dissolve, to resolve into its elements; ? up + ? to loose. See Loose.] 1. A resolution of anything, whether an object of the senses or of the intellect, into its constituent or original elements; an examination of the component parts of a subject, each separately, as the words which compose a sentence, the tones of a tune, or the simple propositions which enter into an argument. It is opposed to synthesis. [1913 Webster] 2. (Chem.) The separation of a compound substance, by chemical processes, into its constituents, with a view to ascertain either (a) what elements it contains, or (b) how much of each element is present. The former is called qualitative, and the latter quantitative analysis. [1913 Webster] 3. (Logic) The tracing of things to their source, and the resolving of knowledge into its original principles. [1913 Webster] 4. (Math.) The resolving of problems by reducing the conditions that are in them to equations. [1913 Webster] 5. (a) A syllabus, or table of the principal heads of a discourse, disposed in their natural order. (b) A brief, methodical illustration of the principles of a science. In this sense it is nearly synonymous with synopsis. [1913 Webster] 6. (Nat. Hist.) The process of ascertaining the name of a species, or its place in a system of classification, by means of an analytical table or key. [1913 Webster] Ultimate, Proximate, Qualitative, Quantitative, and Volumetric analysis. (Chem.) See under Ultimate, Proximate, Qualitative, etc. [1913 Webster]

