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.
The proximate natural causes of it. 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.