Prŏx'i-mate, a.

[Lat. proximatus, p. p. of proximare, to draw or come near, to approach, from proximus, the nearest, next, superl. of propior, nearer, and the obsolete propis, near.] Nearest; next immediately preceding or following. “A grand council, consisting of all such citizens as could prove that their proximate ancestors had shared in the offices or honors of the state.” J. S. Harford.

Proximate cause, that which immediately precedes and produces the effect, as distinguished from the remote, mediate, or predisposing cause. Watts.—Proximate principle (Chem.), one of the distinct compounds which exist ready formed in animals and vegetables, such as albumen, fat, sugar, &c. Brande.

Synonyms—Nearest; next; closest; immediate; direct.