approximate

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Adjective 1.3.1 Derived terms 1.3.2 Quotations 1.3.3 Translations 1.4 Verb 1.4.1 Quotations 1.4.2 Translations

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From Latin approximatus, past participle of approximare (“‘to approach’”); ad + proximare (“‘to come near’”). See proximate.

[edit] Pronunciation

Adjective

• (RP) IPA: /əˈprɒk.sɪ.mət/, SAMPA: /@"prQk.sI.m@t/
• (WEAE) IPA: /ʌˈpɹɑks.ə.mɪt/, SAMPA: /V"prAks.@.mIt/

   Audio (US)^{help, file}

Verb

• (RP) IPA: /əˈprɒk.sɪm.eɪt/, SAMPA: /@"prQk.sIm.eIt/
• (WEAE) IPA: /ʌˈpɹɑks.ə.maɪt/, SAMPA: /V"prAks.@.maIt/

   Audio (US)^{help, file}

[edit] Adjective

approximate (comparative more approximate, superlative most approximate)

1. Approaching; proximate; nearly resembling.
2. Near correctness; nearly exact; not perfectly accurate.

   Approximate results or values.

[edit] Derived terms

• approximately
• approximation
• approximative

[edit] Quotations

To help carry out its mission, NASA's Genesis spacecraft has on board an ion monitor to record the speed, density, temperature and approximate composition of the solar wind ions.

[edit] Translations

[edit] Verb

to approximate (third-person singular simple present approximates, present participle approximating, simple past and past participle approximated)

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.

3. To estimate.

[edit] Quotations

When you follow two deparate chains of thought, Watson, you will find some point of intersection which should approximate to the truth.
— Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax

[edit] Translations