DICT.TW Dictionary Taiwan

 Prox·i·mate a.  Nearest; next immediately preceding or following. “Proximate ancestors.”
    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.
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