interpolation
noun
in·ter·po·la·tion
in-ˌtər-pə-ˈlā-shən 
plural interpolations
1
a
: an act of interpolating something or the state of being interpolated : the introduction or insertion of something spurious or foreign
… versions disfigured by the frequent and substantial interpolation of freely invented matter …—
Bernard Knox
Bernard Knox
b
: something that is introduced or inserted : an insertion or addition
How can such interpolations be identified, and what literary processes led to these additions?—Jan Nattier
Jan Nattier2
: the process of calculating an approximate value based on values that are already known
The age of tephras that were not directly dated was estimated by linear interpolation from the calibrated date.—Richard J. Payne and Jeffrey J. Blackford
Richard J. Payne and Jeffrey J. BlackfordExamples of interpolation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Don’t be surprised to see an Xscape, SWV, and/or En Vogue interpolation, either.
—Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2024
Cowboy Carter works in a number of memorable samples and interpolations, which Billboard has compiled.
—Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 30 Mar. 2024
Where density sample data was insufficient for interpolation, density values were derived from a regression equation based on the iron value of the block.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Feb. 2024
In all, Vultures 1 has at least two dozen samples and interpolations across 16 tracks, according to the website WhoSampled.com and reviewed by Billboard.
—Colin Stutz, Billboard, 17 Feb. 2024
Zinc, silver, lead, tin, and indium high grade outliers were constrained during interpolation on a per domain basis.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Feb. 2024
The Donna Summer estate has filed a lawsuit against Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign over an unauthorized interpolation of one of her songs.
—Sadie Bell, Peoplemag, 27 Feb. 2024
However, there was no suggestion that was related to sample or interpolation clearance issues.
—Colin Stutz, Billboard, 17 Feb. 2024
If this interpolation exists merely to inform or remind audiences that Black soldiers flew combat missions in the war, that’s a good enough reason.
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2024
Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2024
Cowboy Carter works in a number of memorable samples and interpolations, which Billboard has compiled.
—Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 30 Mar. 2024
Where density sample data was insufficient for interpolation, density values were derived from a regression equation based on the iron value of the block.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Feb. 2024
In all, Vultures 1 has at least two dozen samples and interpolations across 16 tracks, according to the website WhoSampled.com and reviewed by Billboard.
—Colin Stutz, Billboard, 17 Feb. 2024
Zinc, silver, lead, tin, and indium high grade outliers were constrained during interpolation on a per domain basis.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Feb. 2024
The Donna Summer estate has filed a lawsuit against Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign over an unauthorized interpolation of one of her songs.
—Sadie Bell, Peoplemag, 27 Feb. 2024
However, there was no suggestion that was related to sample or interpolation clearance issues.
—Colin Stutz, Billboard, 17 Feb. 2024
If this interpolation exists merely to inform or remind audiences that Black soldiers flew combat missions in the war, that’s a good enough reason.
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'interpolation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near interpolation
Cite this Entry
“Interpolation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interpolation. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share