plural of proximate cause

(idiomatic) An initiating cause of a chain of events which leads to an outcome or effect of interest.

(transitive) The action of identifying the cause of a chain of events which leads to an outcome or effect of interest. To root cause something's root cause does not necessarily imply the use of root cause analysis (RCA).

(theology, philosophy, sometimes capitalized) An initial cause from which all other causes and effects follow.

Alternative spelling of first cause

(law) the case title for a cause of action/lawsuit; a description of the parties involved, such as Johnson v. Smith.

(chiefly UK) An issue or incident (originally, a legal case) arousing widespread controversy or public debate.

(idiomatic) A person or thing that is hopeless or futile.

(chiefly US) Alternative form of cause célèbre

(law) A condition under which one party would be entitled to sue another. / (law) A civil lawsuit.