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 [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.