extrapolate

[ ik-strap-uh-leyt ]
/ ɪkˈstræp əˌleɪt /

verb (used with object), ex·trap·o·lat·ed, ex·trap·o·lat·ing.

to infer (an unknown) from something that is known; conjecture.
Statistics. to estimate (the value of a variable) outside the tabulated or observed range.
Mathematics. to estimate (a function that is known over a range of values of its independent variable) to values outside the known range.

verb (used without object), ex·trap·o·lat·ed, ex·trap·o·lat·ing.

to perform extrapolation.

Origin of extrapolate

First recorded in 1825–35; extra- + (inter)polate

OTHER WORDS FROM extrapolate

ex·trap·o·la·tion, noun ex·trap·o·la·tive, ex·trap·o·la·to·ry [ik-strap-uh-luh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] /ɪkˈstræp ə ləˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i/, adjective ex·trap·o·la·tor, noun o·ver·ex·trap·o·la·tion, noun

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH extrapolate

deduction extrapolation induction generalization hypothesis

Words nearby extrapolate

extraordinary wave, extraperitoneal fascia, extraphysical, extraphysiologic, extraplanetary, extrapolate, extrapolation, extrapose, extraposition, extraprofessional, extrapyramidal

British Dictionary definitions for extrapolative

extrapolate
/ (ɪkˈstræpəˌleɪt) /

verb

maths to estimate (a value of a function or measurement) beyond the values already known, by the extension of a curve Compare interpolate (def. 4)
to infer (something not known) by using but not strictly deducing from the known facts

Derived forms of extrapolate

extrapolation, noun extrapolative or extrapolatory, adjective extrapolator, noun

Word Origin for extrapolate

C19: extra- + -polate, as in interpolate

Scientific definitions for extrapolative

extrapolate
[ ĭk-străp′ə-lāt′ ]

To estimate the value of a quantity that falls outside the range in which its values are known.