Dictionary.com
definitions

interpolate

[ in-tur-puh-leyt ]
/ ɪnˈtɜr pəˌleɪt /
|
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR interpolate 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.

RELATED WORDS

interlope, insert, intrude, annex, interject, interpose, introduce, admit, insinuate, inject, enter, include, append, intercalate

Nearby words

  1. interplead,
  2. interpleader,
  3. interpleural space,
  4. interpol,
  5. interpolar,
  6. interpolated extrasystole,
  7. interpolation,
  8. interpolator,
  9. interpose,
  10. interposition

Origin of interpolate

1605–15; < Latin interpolātus past participle of interpolāre to make new, refurbish, touch up, equivalent to inter- inter- + -polā- verb stem (akin to polīre to polish) + -tus past participle suffix
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for interpolate

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 Formsinterpolater 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

Word Origin and History for interpolate

interpolate

v.

1610s, "to alter or enlarge (a writing) by inserting new material," from Latin interpolatus, past participle of interpolare "alter, freshen up, polish;" of writing, "falsify," from inter- "up" (see inter-) + polare, related to polire "to smoothe, polish." Sense evolved in Latin from "refurbish," to "alter appearance of," to "falsify (especially by adding new material)." Middle English had interpolen (early 15c.) in a similar sense. Related: Interpolated; interpolating.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper