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definitions

extrapolate

[ ik-strap-uh-leyt ]
/ ɪkˈstræp əˌleɪt /

verb (used with object), ex·trap·o·lat·ed, ex·trap·o·lat·ing.

to infer (an unknown) from something that is known; conjecture.
Statistics. to estimate (the value of a variable) outside the tabulated or observed range.
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), ex·trap·o·lat·ed, ex·trap·o·lat·ing.

to perform extrapolation.

Nearby words

  1. extraordinary wave,
  2. extraperitoneal fascia,
  3. extraphysical,
  4. extraphysiologic,
  5. extraplanetary,
  6. extrapolation,
  7. extrapose,
  8. extraposition,
  9. extraprofessional,
  10. extrapyramidal

Origin of extrapolate

First recorded in 1825–35; extra- + (inter)polate
Related formsex·trap·o·la·tion, nounex·trap·o·la·tive, ex·trap·o·la·to·ry [ik-strap-uh-luh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] /ɪkˈstræp ə ləˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i/, adjectiveex·trap·o·la·tor, nouno·ver·ex·trap·o·la·tion, noun
Can be confuseddeduction extrapolation induction generalization hypothesis
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for extrapolative

extrapolate

/ (ɪkˈstræpəˌleɪt) /

verb

maths to estimate (a value of a function or measurement) beyond the values already known, by the extension of a curveCompare interpolate (def. 4)
to infer (something not known) by using but not strictly deducing from the known facts
Derived Formsextrapolation, nounextrapolative or extrapolatory, adjectiveextrapolator, noun

Word Origin for extrapolate

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

Word Origin and History for extrapolative

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

Science definitions for extrapolative

extrapolate

[ ĭk-străp′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 © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.