Ap·prox·i·mate v. t. [imp. & p. p. Approximated p. pr. & vb. n. Approximating.]
  1. To carry or advance near; to cause to approach.
     To approximate the inequality of riches to the level of nature.   --Burke.
  2. To come near to; to approach.
     The telescope approximates perfection.   --J. Morse.