a. [f. L. approximāt- (see APPROXIMATE a.) + -IVE: Cf. F. approximatif.] Of approximate character; nearly approaching, but not reaching, absolute accuracy.
1830. Sir J. Herschel, Nat. Philos., 213. A first or approximative verification.
1878. Foster, Phys., I. i. § 2. An approximative knowledge of the nature of coagulation.
