Meaning of the word approximation in English

What does approximation mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

approximation

US /əˌprɑːk.səˈmeɪ.ʃən/
UK /əˌprɒk.sɪˈmeɪ.ʃən/
"approximation" picture

Noun

1.

a result or calculation that is not exact but is close to being correct

Example:
The figure of 10,000 is only an approximation.
We need to find a closer approximation of the actual cost.
2.

the process of calculating something in a way that is not exact

Example:
The engineer used approximation to quickly estimate the material needed.
The method relies on successive approximation to reach a solution.