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adj. 1. Almost exact or correct: the approximate time of the accident. 2. Very similar; closely resembling: sketched an approximate likeness of the suspect. 3. Botany Close together but not united. v. (-māt′) ap·prox·i·mat·ed, ap·prox·i·mat·ing, ap·prox·i·mates v.tr. 1. To come close to; be nearly the same as: This meat substitute approximates the real thing. 2. To bring near. 3. To bring together, as cut edges of tissue. v.intr. To come near or close, as in degree, nature, or quality. [Middle English, from Late Latin approximātus, past participle of approximāre, to approach : Latin ad-, ad- + proximāre, to come near (from proximus, nearest; see per1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots).] ap·proxi·mate·ly adv. |
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