Proximate

[Sarah]

Nearest; next immediately preceding or following. Proximateancestors. J. S. Harford.The proximate natural causes of it [the deluge]. T. Burnet.Proximate analysis (Chem.), an analysis which determines theproximate principles of any substance, as contrasted with an ultimateanalysis.-- Proximate cause. (a) A cause which immediately precedes andproduces the effect, as distinguished from the remote, mediate, orpredisposing cause. I. Watts. (b) That which in ordinary naturalsequence produces a specific result, no independent disturbingagencies intervening.-- Proximate principle (Physiol. Chem.), one of a class of bodiesexisting ready formed in animal and vegetable tissues, and separableby chemical analysis, as albumin, sugar, collagen, fat, etc.

[Jessica]

[prox]· i· mate | \ˈprä[k-s]ə-mət \ 1) A person you mate with who is close to you by [kinship] or in some other way. 2) A person who mates with you on behalf of another, i.e. a proxy mate.

[Zipporah Schumaker]

(especially of the cause of something) closest in relationship; immediate.