Main Entry:

ex·trap·o·late

Pronunciation:

\ik-ˈstra-pə-ˌlāt\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

ex·trap·o·lat·ed; ex·trap·o·lat·ing

Etymology:

Latin extra outside + English -polate (as in interpolate) — more at extra-

Date:

1874

transitive verb1: to infer (values of a variable in an unobserved interval) from values within an already observed interval2 a: to project, extend, or expand (known data or experience) into an area not known or experienced so as to arrive at a usually conjectural knowledge of the unknown area <extrapolates present trends to construct an image of the future> b: to predict by projecting past experience or known data <extrapolate public sentiment on one issue from known public reaction on others>intransitive verb: to perform the act or process of extrapolating

— ex·trap·o·la·tion \-ˌstra-pə-ˈlā-shən\ noun

— ex·trap·o·la·tive \-ˈstra-pə-ˌlā-tiv\ adjective

— ex·trap·o·la·tor \-ˌlā-tər\ noun