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extrapolate

[ik-strap-uh-leyt] /ɪkˈstræp əˌleɪt/
verb (used with object), extrapolated, extrapolating.
1.
to infer (an unknown) from something that is known; conjecture.
2.
Statistics. to estimate (the value of a variable) outside the tabulated or observed range.
3.
Mathematics. to estimate (a function that is known over a range of values of its independent variable) to values outside the known range.
verb (used without object), extrapolated, extrapolating.
4.
to perform extrapolation.
Origin of extrapolate
1825-1835
1825-35; extra- + (inter)polate
Related forms
extrapolation, noun
extrapolative, extrapolatory
[ik-strap-uh-luh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] /ɪkˈstræp ə ləˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i/ (Show IPA), adjective
extrapolator, noun
overextrapolation, noun
Can be confused
deduction, extrapolation, induction, generalization, hypothesis.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2016.
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British Dictionary definitions for extrapolatory

extrapolate

/ɪkˈstræpəˌleɪt/
verb
1.
(maths) to estimate (a value of a function or measurement) beyond the values already known, by the extension of a curve Compare interpolate (sense 4)
2.
to infer (something not known) by using but not strictly deducing from the known facts
Derived Forms
extrapolation, noun
extrapolative, extrapolatory, adjective
extrapolator, noun
Word Origin
C19: extra- + -polate, as in interpolate
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word Origin and History for extrapolatory

extrapolate

v.

1874, a back-formation from extrapolation by analogy of interpolate. Said in early references to be an expression of Sir George Airy (1801-1892), English mathematician and astronomer. Related: Extrapolated; extrapolating.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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extrapolatory in Science
extrapolate
  (ĭk-strāp'ə-lāt')   
To estimate the value of a quantity that falls outside the range in which its values are known.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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