Proximate \Prox"i*mate\, a. [L. proximatus, p. p. of proximare to come near, to approach, fr. proximus the nearest, nest, superl. of propior nearer, and prope, adv., near.] Nearest; next immediately preceding or following. ``Proximate ancestors.'' --J. S. Harford. The proximate natural causes of it [the deluge]. --T. Burnet. Proximate analysis (Chem.), an analysis which determines the proximate principles of any substance, as contrasted with an ultimate analysis. Proximate cause. (a) A cause which immediately precedes and produces the effect, as distinguished from the remote, mediate, or predisposing cause. --I. Watts. (b) That which in ordinary natural sequence produces a specific result, no independent disturbing agencies intervening. Proximate principle (Physiol. Chem.), one of a class of bodies existing ready formed in animal and vegetable tissues, and separable by chemical analysis, as albumin, sugar, collagen, fat, etc. Syn: Nearest; next; closest; immediate; direct.