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

Spiro borrows part of that message from the famous poet Nikki Giovanni, who recorded her poem of that same name as a song in 1975 with producer Arif Mardin, making for the only sample or interpolation on the album. — Chris Willman, Variety, 3 July 2026

An interpolation re-records or re-performs the original melody, leaving the master untouched. — Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Their eyes might glaze over, or fixate on some small detail that can be pocketed for future interpolation. — Literary Hub, 9 June 2026

The clothing, meanwhile, is made in a Chinese sweatshop, whose oppressive and dangerous working conditions Riley depicts in flashbacks and interpolations. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 22 May 2026

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