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

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

2

: 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

Examples of interpolation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Michael is credited as a co-writer on the track due to the melodic interpolation. —Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025

Could the central interpolation of George Michael’s 1987 hit meant to drag Olivia for the songwriting credit that started the feud? —Zach Schiffman, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2025

Swift's interpolation is sure to join the ranks of memorable uses of the song. —Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025

When paired with a custom interpolation algorithm, this tensor-train technique makes an intractable problem solvable at a faster rate. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing interpolation

• linear interpolation

Rhymes for interpolation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration