PROXIMAL
Prox"i*mal, a.
1. Toward or nearest, as to a body, or center of motion of dependence; proximate.
2. (Biol.) (a) Situated near the point of attachment or origin; as, the proximal part of a limb. (b) Of or pertaining to that which is proximal; as, the proximal bones of a limb. Opposed to distal.
PROXIMALLY
Prox"i*mal*ly, adv. (Anat.)
Defn: On or toward a proximal part; proximad.
PROXIMATE Prox"i*mate, a. Etym: [L. proximatus, p. p. of proximare to come near, to approach, fr. proximus the nearest, nest, superl. of propior nearer, and prope, adv., near.]
Defn: Nearest; next immediately preceding or following. "Proximate ancestors." J. S. Harford. The proximate natural causes of it [the deluge]. 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.
PROXIMATELY
Prox"i*mate*ly, adv.
Defn: In a proximate manner, position, or degree; immediately.