approximate

[ adjective uh-prok-suh-mit; verb uh-prok-suh-meyt ]
/ adjective əˈprɒk sə mɪt; verb əˈprɒk səˌmeɪt /

adjective

verb (used with object), ap·prox·i·mat·ed, ap·prox·i·mat·ing.

verb (used without object), ap·prox·i·mat·ed, ap·prox·i·mat·ing.

to come near in position, character, amount, etc.

Origin of approximate

1400–50; late Middle English < Late Latin approximātus drawn near to, approached (past participle of approximāre). See ap-1, proximate

OTHER WORDS FROM approximate

ap·prox·i·mate·ly, adverb

Example sentences from the Web for approximate

British Dictionary definitions for approximate

approximate

adjective (əˈprɒksɪmɪt)

almost accurate or exact
inexact; rough; loose only an approximate fit
much alike; almost the same
near; close together

verb (əˈprɒksɪˌmeɪt)

(usually foll by to) to come or bring near or close; be almost the same (as)
maths to find an expression for (some quantity) accurate to a specified degree See accurate (def. 4)

Derived forms of approximate

approximative, adjective

Word Origin for approximate

C15: from Late Latin approximāre, from Latin proximus nearest, from prope near

Medical definitions for approximate

approximate
[ ə-prŏksə-māt′ ]

v.

To bring together, as cut edges of tissue.

adj.

Relating to the contact surfaces, either proximal or distal, of two adjacent teeth; proximate.
Close together. Used of the teeth in the human jaw.