proximal

adjective

prox·​i·​mal ˈpräk-sə-məl How to pronounce proximal (audio)
1
: situated close to : proximate
2
: next to or nearest the point of attachment or origin, a central point, or the point of view
especially : located toward the center of the body compare distal
3
: of, relating to, or being the mesial and distal surfaces of a tooth
proximally adverb

Examples of proximal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Serendipity Prospect is defined by 10 robust geochemical targets with up to 150 times background gold values proximal to the regional scale Hashimoto Deformation Zone (Figure 1). Sacramento Bee, 19 June 2024 Most Au-Ag mineralized zones intersected in the drilling programs are proximal to the historic, extensive underground mine workings or the historic, shallow open pit walls. Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2024 Central or proximal pulses are measured at the neck, under the arm or the groin. Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Jan. 2024 However, the proximal neural mechanisms driving dog-human social interaction are unknown. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 16 Aug. 2016 See all Example Sentences for proximal 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'proximal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin proximus

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of proximal was in 1727

Dictionary Entries Near proximal

Cite this Entry

“Proximal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proximal. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

proximal

adjective
prox·​i·​mal ˈpräk-sə-məl How to pronounce proximal (audio)
1
a
: situated next to or near the point of attachment or origin or a central point
the proximal was … better than the peripheral stump for a graftAnnual Review of Medicine
especially : located toward the center of the body
the proximal end of a bone
compare distal sense 1a
b
: of, relating to, or being the mesial and distal surfaces of a tooth
2
: sensory rather than physical or social
proximal stimuli
compare distal sense 2
proximally adverb

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