interpolate

[in-tur-puh-leyt]

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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.

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 formsin·ter·po·la·ble

[in-tur-puh-luh-buh l] /ɪnˈtɜr pə lə bəl/, adjectivein·ter·po·lat·er, in·ter·po·la·tor, nounin·ter·po·la·to·ry

[in-tur-puh-luh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] /ɪnˈtɜr pə ləˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i/, in·ter·po·la·tive, adjectivein·ter·po·la·tive·ly, adverbnon·in·ter·po·lat·ing, adjectivenon·in·ter·po·la·tive, adjectiveun·in·ter·po·lat·ed, adjectiveun·in·ter·po·la·tive, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for interpolate

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

Examples from the Web for interpolate

Historical Examples of interpolate

While this goes on the fool does not cease to interpolate his humorless jokes.
Tolstoy on Shakespeare
Leo Tolstoy
The boy tried to interpolate a few words, to tell the news of the family.
Cuore (Heart)
Edmondo De Amicis
His eye seemed to interpolate that Stephen wouldn't be there otherwise.
The Crisis, Complete
Winston Churchill
I think that I am warranted, in view of that late decision, in asking the committee to interpolate that word "lithograph."
Arguments before the Committee on Patents of the House of Representatives, conjointly with the Senate Committee on Patents, on H.R. 19853, to amend and consolidate the acts respecting copyright
United States Committee on Patents
"Miss Davies has not told me your name," I made bold to interpolate.
The Mayor's Wife
Anna Katherine Green

British Dictionary definitions for interpolate

interpolate

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

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.