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interpolate

[ in-tur-puh-leyt ]
/ ɪnˈtɜr pəˌleɪt /
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See synonyms for: interpolate / interpolated on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), in·ter·po·lat·ed, in·ter·po·lat·ing.
to introduce (something additional or extraneous) between other things or parts; interject; interpose; intercalate.
Mathematics. to insert, estimate, or find an intermediate term in (a sequence).
to alter (a text) by the insertion of new matter, especially deceptively or without authorization.
to insert (new or spurious matter) in this manner.
verb (used without object), in·ter·po·lat·ed, in·ter·po·lat·ing.
to make an interpolation.
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Origin of interpolate

First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin interpolātus, past participle of interpolāre “to make new, refurbish, touch up,” equivalent to inter- “between, among, together” + -polā- verb stem (akin to polīre “to polish”) + -tus past participle suffix; see inter-, polish

OTHER WORDS FROM interpolate

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use interpolate in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for interpolate

interpolate
/ (ɪnˈtɜːpəˌleɪt) /

verb
to insert or introduce (a comment, passage, etc) into (a conversation, text, etc)
to falsify or alter (a text, manuscript, etc) by the later addition of (material, esp spurious or valueless passages)
(intr) to make additions, interruptions, or insertions
maths to estimate (a value of a function) between the values already known or determinedCompare extrapolate (def. 1)

Derived forms of interpolate

interpolater or interpolator, nouninterpolative, adjective

Word Origin for interpolate

C17: from Latin interpolāre to give a new appearance to, from inter- + polīre to polish
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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