v., -lat·ed, -lat·ing, -lates. v.tr.
- To infer or estimate by extending or projecting known information.
- Mathematics. To estimate (a value of a variable outside a known range) from values within a known range by assuming that the estimated value follows logically from the known values.
To engage in the process of extrapolating.
[EXTRA- + (INTER)POLATE.]
extrapolation ex·trap'o·la'tion n.extrapolative ex·trap'o·la'tive adj.
extrapolator ex·trap'o·la'tor n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
