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 verb 1 : to infer (values of a variable in an unobserved interval) from values within an already observed interval
2 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