proximal

[prok-suh-muh l] /ˈprɒk sə məl/
adjective
1.
situated toward the point of origin or attachment, as of a limb or bone.
Compare distal (def 1).
Origin
1720-30; < Latin proxim(us) next (superlative of prope near) + -al1
Related forms
proximally, adverb
interproximal, adjective
Examples from the web for proximal
  • Use gas, and get extorted by proximal countries who control gas.
  • They tend to start walking but develop muscle weakness in the part of the limb closest to the trunk, the proximal muscles.
  • Often, weakness is first noted in the shoulder muscles and proximal leg muscles.
  • Our illusions regarding control cause us to dismiss the dangers of proximal risk and amplify those of distant and unlikely risks.
  • The duodenum small bowel and proximal colon are intact and unremarkable.
  • They are proximal causes of the degradation of the world.
  • The phalanges are each ossified from two centers: one for the body, and one for the proximal extremity.
  • The proximal portion of the diverticulum becomes the ureter.
British Dictionary definitions for proximal

proximal

/ˈprɒksɪməl/
adjective
1.
(anatomy) situated close to the centre, median line, or point of attachment or origin Compare distal
2.
another word for proximate
Derived Forms
proximally, adverb

proximate

/ˈprɒksɪmɪt/
adjective
1.
next or nearest in space or time
2.
very near; close
3.
immediately preceding or following in a series
4.
a less common word for approximate
Derived Forms
proximately, adverb
proximateness, noun
proximation, noun
Word Origin
C16: from Late Latin proximāre to draw near, from Latin proximus next, from prope near
Word Origin and History for proximal
adj.

1727, from Latin proximus "nearest, next" (see proximity) + -al (1). Related: Proximally.

proximal in Medicine

proximal prox·i·mal (prŏk'sə-məl)
adj.
Nearer to a point of reference such as an origin, a point of attachment, or the midline of the body.