approximation : Dictionary / Wörterbuch (BEOLINGUS, TU Chemnitz)

English Dictionary: approximation	by the DICT Development Group
2 results for approximation
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
approximation n an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth; "an estimate of what it would cost"; "a rough idea how long it would take" Synonym(s): estimate, estimation, approximation, idea the quality of coming near to identity (especially close in quantity) an imprecise or incomplete account; "newspapers gave only an approximation of the actual events" the act of bringing near or bringing together especially the cut edges of tissue Synonym(s): approximation, bringing close together
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Approximation \Approx`ima"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.