| proximate cause | The immediate cause that precipitates a condition. (05 Mar 2000) |
|---|---|
| specific cause | A cause the action of which definitely produces the condition in question. (05 Mar 2000) |
| necessary cause | An aetiological factor without which a result in question will not occur; the occurrence of the result is proof that the factor is operating. (05 Mar 2000) |
| sufficient cause | An aetiological factor that guarantees that a result in question will occur; non-occurrence of the result is proof that the factor is not operating. (05 Mar 2000) |
| exciting cause | The direct provoking cause of a condition. Synonym: procatarxis. (05 Mar 2000) |