Pronunciation: ik- ' stra-p ə - ˌ l ā t
Function: verb
Inflected Form: -lat · ed ; -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 < extrapolate s 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 \ - ˌ stra-p ə - ' l ā -sh ə n \ noun
– ex · trap · o · la · tive \ - ' stra-p ə - ˌ l ā -tiv \ adjective
– ex · trap · o · la · tor \ - ˌ l ā -t ə r \ noun