Approximate \Ap*prox"i*mate\, a. [L. approximatus, p. p. of approximare to approach; ad + proximare to come near. See Proximate.]

1. Approaching; proximate; nearly resembling.

2. Near correctness; nearly exact; not perfectly accurate; as, approximate results or values.

Approximate quantities (Math.), those which are nearly, but not, equal.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Approximate \Ap*prox"i*mate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Approximated; p. pr. & vb. n. Approximating.]

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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Approximate \Ap*prox"i*mate\, v. i. To draw; to approach.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)