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interpolation

[in-tur-puh-ley-shuh n]
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noun
  1. the act or process of interpolating or the state of being interpolated.
  2. something interpolated, as a passage introduced into a text.
  3. Mathematics.
    1. the process of determining the value of a function between two points at which it has prescribed values.
    2. a similar process using more than two points at which the function has prescribed values.
    3. the process of approximating a given function by using its values at a discrete set of points.
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Origin of interpolation

First recorded in 1605–15, interpolation is from the Latin word interpolātiōn- (stem of interpolātiō). See interpolate, -ion
Related formsnon·in·ter·po·la·tion, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

debutinstallationopeningadditionpresentationinaugurationlaunchinitiationprefaceestablishmentinfluxinjectioninfusionforewordingressawakeninginsertionprimerleadprelude

Examples from the Web for interpolation

Historical Examples

  • Whether he heard the interpolation or not, is somewhat doubtful.

    Shoulder-Straps

    Henry Morford

  • Her tale was short and lightly told, with an interpolation now and then by Kitty.

    The Lure of the Mask

    Harold MacGrath

  • The passage in question has all the appearance of an interpolation by some scribe.

    The Hindu-Arabic Numerals

    David Eugene Smith

  • “—And I believed you, and you know it,” she finished, not noticing his interpolation.

    A Woman's Will

    Anne Warner

  • Neither Jane nor Cleigh apparently heard this interpolation.

    The Pagan Madonna

    Harold MacGrath

British Dictionary definitions for interpolation

interpolation

noun
  1. the act of interpolating or the state of being interpolated
  2. something interpolated
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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 interpolation

n.

1610s, from French interpolation (early 17c.), or directly from Latin interpolationem (nominative interpolatio), noun of action from past participle stem of interpolare (see interpolate).

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper