The proximate genus is the immediately relevant genus above a species. For the human species, “animal” is the proximate genus.
A remote genus stands higher in the hierarchy. “Body” is more remote than “animal” because it includes many things other than animals.
Comparison:
Human ← animal: proximate genus
Human ← body: remote genus
Whether the definition uses the proximate or remote genus is essential to its classification as complete or incomplete.
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Definition and Its Four Forms: Complete/Incomplete Essential and Descriptive Definitions
The proximate genus is the immediately relevant genus above a species. For the human species, “animal” is the proximate genus.
A remote genus stands higher in the hierarchy. “Body” is more remote than “animal” because it includes many things other than animals.
Comparison:
Human ← animal: proximate genus
Human ← body: remote genus
Whether the definition uses the proximate or remote genus is essential to its classification as complete or incomplete.