interpolation

[in-tur-puh-ley-shuhn]

noun

1. the act or process of interpolating or the state of being interpolated.

2. something interpolated, as a passage introduced into a text.

3. Mathematics.

   1. the process of determining the value of a function between two points at which it has prescribed values.

   2. a similar process using more than two points at which the function has prescribed values.

   3. the process of approximating a given function by using its values at a discrete set of points.

interpolation

/ ɪnˌtɜːpəˈleɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of interpolating or the state of being interpolated

2. something interpolated

Other Word Forms

• noninterpolation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of interpolation¹

First recorded in 1605–15, interpolation is from the Latin word interpolātiōn- (stem of interpolātiō ). See interpolate, -ion

Example Sentences

Swift used an interpolation of Michael’s song in her track of the same name — with a gleeful sign-off from the late singer’s estate.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Taylor’s take on “Father Figure” incorporates an interpolation of Michael’s 1987 song from his album “Faith.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It’s the Grandmaster Flash’s “The Message” interpolation for me, and that song was totally ubiquitous for a period — but likely not for the Grammys.

Read more on Seattle Times

If this interpolation exists merely to inform or remind audiences that Black soldiers flew combat missions in the war, that’s a good enough reason.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The track, which serves as the LP’s closer and its thematic anchor, is an eclecticist’s dream: absurdist trap, glossy vocal harmonies, and an interpolation of some Beethoven — Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op.

Read more on Seattle Times

Related Words

• addition 
• debut 
• establishment 
• inauguration 
• influx 
• initiation 
• installation 
• launch 
• opening 
• preface 
• presentation