ap·prox·i·ma·tion 
/əˌprɑ:ksəˈmeɪʃən/ noun
plural ap·prox·i·ma·tions /əˌprɑ:ksəˈmeɪʃən/ noun [count] 1 : an amount, figure, etc., that is almost correct and is not intended to be exact : an approximate amount, figure, etc.
▪ These numbers are only approximations [=estimates] but they give us some idea of what we can afford. ▪ This isn't an exact figure but I think it's a good/rough approximation of what the land is worth. 2 : something that is similar to something else
▪ The color of the paint isn't the exact same color as the vase, but it's a close approximation. — usually + of or to ▪ The astronauts train in a room that provides an approximation of conditions in space. ▪ There's little more than a vague approximation to the truth in their story.
▪ These numbers are only approximations [=estimates] but they give us some idea of what we can afford. ▪ This isn't an exact figure but I think it's a good/rough approximation of what the land is worth.
▪ The color of the paint isn't the exact same color as the vase, but it's a close approximation. — usually + of or to ▪ The astronauts train in a room that provides an approximation of conditions in space. ▪ There's little more than a vague approximation to the truth in their story.
