Hypertext Webster Gateway: "approximation"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Approximation \Ap*prox`i*ma"tion\ n. [Cf. F. approximation, LL.
approximatio.]
1. The act of approximating; a drawing, advancing or being
near; approach; also, the result of approximating.
The largest capacity and the most noble dispositions
are but an approximation to the proper standard and
true symmetry of human nature. --I. Taylor.
2. An approach to a correct estimate, calculation, or
conception, or to a given quantity, quality, etc.
3. (Math.)
(a) A continual approach or coming nearer to a result; as,
to solve an equation by approximation.
(b) A value that is nearly but not exactly correct.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
approximation
n 1: an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth;
"an estimate of what it would cost"; "a rough idea how
long it would take" [syn: {estimate}, {estimation}, {idea}]
2: the quality of of being similar (especially close in value)
3: an imprecise or incomplete account; "newspapers gave only an
approximation of the actual events"
4: the act of bringing near or bringing together especially the
cut edges of tissue [syn: {bringing close together}]
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