approximatio

Forms

approximātiō f (genitive approximātiōnis); third declension^[1]

Etymology

It is formed from Latin approximō (“to draw near”) + -tiō.^[1][2]

Earliest recorded meaning

It is first found in the Latin Didascalia apostolorum,^[2] where it means marital intercourse.^[3][2]

Semantic evolution

Medieval Latin used it above all for an approach, a drawing near, in general and in philosophy, alchemy and medicine, and also for the application of something and for nearness.^[4][5] In Thomas Aquinas it is the approach to what is simply and supremely true.^[6] A Hungarian charter of 1395 uses it for nearness and neighbourhood.^[7]

It is the source of learned words such as French approximation and Italian approssimazione.^[1]

Timeline

• c. 400 AD – The Didascalia apostolorum uses it of marital intercourse.^[3][2]
• 860–867 – Pope Nicholas I uses it in a letter, of drawing near.^[4][2]
• 1395 – A Hungarian charter uses it for nearness.^[7]

Meanings

Noun

1. (Late Latin) Marital intercourse.^[3][2]
2. (Medieval Latin) An approach, a drawing near.^[4][5]
3. (Medieval Latin) Application, applying.^[4]
4. (Medieval Latin) Nearness, proximity.^[4][7]

References

1. ^ a b c d e Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
2. ^ a b c d e f Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
3. ^ a b c Conte, Gian Biagio; Pianezzola, Emilio; Ranucci, Giuliano (2010), il Latino: Vocabolario della lingua latina, 3rd ed., Florence: Le Monnier
4. ^ a b c d e Mittellateinisches Wörterbuch bis zum ausgehenden 13. Jahrhundert (1967–), Munich: C. H. Beck; Bayerische Akademie der Wissenschaften
5. ^ a b Latham, R. E., D. R. Howlett, R. K. Ashdowne, et al. (1975–2013), Dictionary of Medieval Latin from British Sources, London: British Academy / Oxford University Press
6. ^ Schütz, Ludwig (1895), Thomas-Lexikon, 2nd ed., Paderborn: F. Schöningh
7. ^ a b c Bartal, Antal, et al. (1987–), Lexicon Latinitatis Medii Aevi Hungariae, Budapest: Akadémiai Kiadó; online ed. ELTE