extrapolation

[ ik-strap-uh-ley-shuhn ]

noun

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

extrapolation

1. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of extrapolation¹

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

Example Sentences

Simple extrapolations from the impacts of invasive alien species observed today are likely to underestimate the magnitude of future impacts.

From Science Daily

Yet the extrapolation some have made is startling; that slavery turned sprinters of West African descent into world beaters.

From BBC

Following the classical model, the AI compares information against learned examples, draws conclusions, and makes extrapolations.

From Science Daily

The film climaxes with Moscow’s incineration, the Master’s fantasy of revenge — a scene that is not in the novel but Lockshin believes is a fair extrapolation of Bulgakov’s intentions.

From Los Angeles Times

Romps and Lu found, however, that the commonly used extrapolation falls far short when conditions of temperature and humidity are extreme.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• calculation
• estimate
• estimation
• forecast