proximal
UK: ˈprɒksɪməl | US: ˈprɑːksɪməl
adj. situated close to the center of the body or point of attachment
adj. nearest in space or relationship; proximate
The word "proximal" derives from the Latin root proximus (meaning "nearest" or "next"), which is the superlative form of prope ("near"). The suffix -al (from Latin -alis) turns it into an adjective. Historically, proximus evolved into proximal in English to describe anatomical or relational closeness, emphasizing adjacency or direct connection. This contrasts with distal (from distare, "to stand apart"), creating a logical pair in medical and spatial terminology.
The proximal end of the bone connects to the shoulder joint.
In botany, the proximal leaves are often the largest.
The surgeon focused on the proximal portion of the artery.
Proximal causes of the disease were easier to identify than distal factors.
Sensors placed at proximal locations provided more accurate data.