Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Proximal \Prox"i*mal\, a.
   1. Toward or nearest, as to a body, or center of motion of
      dependence; proximate.

   2. (Biol.)
      (a) Situated near the point of attachment or origin; as,
          the proximal part of a limb.
      (b) Of or pertaining to that which is proximal; as, the
          proximal bones of a limb. Opposed to {distal}.

Source : WordNet®

proximal
     adj : situated nearest to point of attachment or origin; "the
           proximal end of a bone" [ant: {distal}]