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).
Derivatives:
approximately adv. approximation n.
Etymology: LL approximatus past part. of approximare (as AD-, proximus very near)