1. An approximate calculation of quantity, degree or worth
   "an approximation of what it would cost";
   - estimate, estimation, idea
    
2. The quality of coming near to identity (especially close in quantity)
   "The approximation of the estimate to the actual cost was remarkably accurate"
    
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
   "The surgeon carefully performed the approximation of the wound edges";
   - bringing close together

Derived forms: approximations

Type of: calculation, computation, connection, connexion [Brit], figuring, joining, reckoning, similarity, version

Encyclopedia: Approximation