[ex.trap.o.late] vb -lat.ed ; -lat.ing [L extra outside + E -polate (as in interpolate)--more at extra-] vt (1874) 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 usu. conjectural knowledge of the unknown area "~s present trends to construct an image of the future" b: to predict by projecting past experience or known data "~ public sentiment on one issue from known public reaction on others" ~ vi: to perform the act or process of extrapolating -- ex.trap.o.la.tion n -- ex.trap.o.la.tive adj -- ex.trap.o.la.tor n