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

extraordinary wave, extraperitoneal fascia, extraphysical, extraphysiologic, extraplanetary, extrapolate, extrapolation, extrapose, extraposition, extraprofessional, extrapyramidal

Origin of extrapolate

First recorded in 1825–35; extra- + (inter)polate

Related forms

ex·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 confused

deduction 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 Forms

extrapolation, 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

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.