interpolation

noun

in·​ter·​po·​la·​tion in-ˌtər-pə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce interpolation (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
My interpolations are only rough gauges since the chart has several generative AI apps shown, thus there are a lot of variabilities involved. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 The single is the latest example of the ongoing interpolation trend, or classic songs that are legally incorporated into new ones to create Frankenstein-monster pop songs. David Browne, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2024 Nothing is original then, so everything will be some sort of sample or interpolation. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 22 July 2024 The novel interpolation that nobody has ever done before is trivial for these machines. Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 18 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for interpolation 

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of interpolation was in 1612

Dictionary Entries Near interpolation

Cite this Entry

“Interpolation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interpolation. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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