adj. & v.
adj. 1 fairly correct or accurate; near to the actual (the approximate time of arrival; an approximate guess). 2 near or next (your approximate neighbour).
v.tr. & intr. (often foll. by to) bring or come near (esp. in quality, number, etc.), but not exactly (approximates to the truth; approximates the amount required). approximately adv. approximation n.
[ LL approximatus past part. of approximare (as AD-, proximus very near) ]