The term "proximal" refers to something that is situated close to a point of reference, often used in anatomy to describe locations on the body. For example, the proximal end of the humerus is the part closest to the shoulder, while the distal end is further away toward the elbow. In a broader context, "proximal" can also describe relationships or connections that are near to each other. For instance, in mathematics, two points can be considered proximal if they are close in value or position, highlighting their relative nearness in a given space or dimension.