extrapolation

[ ik-strap-uh-ley-shuh n ]
/ ɪkˌstræp əˈleɪ ʃən /

noun

an act or instance of inferring an unknown from something that is known.
Statistics, Mathematics. the act or process of estimating the value of a variable or function outside the tabulated or observed range.

Origin of extrapolation

First recorded in 1870–75; extrapolat(e) + -(t)ion

Example sentences from the Web for extrapolation

Cultural definitions for extrapolation

extrapolation
[ (ik-strap-uh-lay-shuhn) ]

A mathematical procedure designed to enable one to estimate unknown values of a parameter from known values. A common method of extrapolation is to look at data on a curve, then extend the curve into regions for which there is no data. Extrapolation is often used to predict the future.