Approximal vs. Proximal — What's the Difference?

In dentistry, the approximal surfaces are those surfaces which form points of contact between adjacent teeth. However, in diastematic individuals these surfaces may not make contact but are still considered approximal.

Situated nearer to the centre of the body or the point of attachment

Near or adjacent

Nearest; proximate.

Contiguous

(Anatomy) Nearer to a point of reference such as an origin, a point of attachment, or the midline of the body

Closer to the point of attachment or observation.

(dentistry) Facing toward another tooth. The proximal surfaces of a tooth are those that touch or are close to neighboring teeth.

(linguistics) Closer to the speaker.

Toward or nearest, as to a body, or center of motion of dependence; proximate.

Situated near the point of attachment or origin; as, the proximal part of a limb.

Situated nearest to point of attachment or origin;