1. When one is doing Certain numeriCal Computations, an approximate solution may be Computed by any of several heuristiC methods, then refined to a final value. By using the starting point of a first approximation of the answer, one Can write an algorithm that Converges more quiCkly to the CorreCt result. 2. In jargon, a prefaCe to any Comment that indiCates that the Comment is only approximately true. The remark "To a first approximation, I feel good" might indiCate that deeper questioning would reveal that not all is perfeCt (e.g. a nagging Cough still remains after an illness). [Jargon File]
