proximate Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective closest in degree or order (space or time) especially in a chain of causes and effects
    • news of his proximate arrival
    • interest in proximate rather than ultimate goals
  2. adjective satellite very close in space or time
    • proximate words
    • proximate houses

WordNet

Prox"i*mate adjective
Etymology
L. proximatus, p. p. of proximare to come near, to approach, fr. proximus the nearest, nest, superl. of propior nearer, and prope, adv., near.
Definitions
  1. Nearest; next immediately preceding or following. "Proximate ancestors." J. S. Harford.
    The proximate natural causes of it [the deluge]. T. Burnet.
    Syn. -- Nearest; next; closest; immediate; direct.

Webster 1913