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interpolate

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The definition of interpolate is to interject or insert something between fixed points, or to insert something into text or into conversation.

(verb)

When you interject your opinion into a conversation that two other people are having, this is a time when you interpolate.
When you insert words or letters into text, this is an example of a time when you interpolate.

See interpolate in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb interpolated, interpolating

to alter, enlarge, or corrupt (a book or manuscript, etc.) by putting in new words, subject matter, etc.
to insert between or among others; specif., to insert (a word or words) in a text
Math. to estimate (a missing functional value) by taking a weighted average of known functional values at neighboring points, as in estimating a specific, missing intermediate value on a table, esp. a logarithmic or trigonometric table

Origin: < L interpolatus, pp. of interpolare, to polish, dress up, corrupt < interpolis, altered by furbishing, repaired < inter-, between + polire, to polish

intransitive verb

to make interpolations

Related Forms:

See interpolate in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb in·ter·po·lat·ed, in·ter·po·lat·ing, in·ter·po·lates

verb, transitive

To insert or introduce between other elements or parts.
a. To insert (material) into a text.
b. To insert into a conversation. See Synonyms at introduce.
To change or falsify (a text) by introducing new or incorrect material.
Mathematics To estimate a value of (a function or series) between two known values.

verb, intransitive

To make insertions or additions.

Origin:

Origin: Latin interpolāre, interpolāt-, to touch up, refurbish

Origin: , from interpolis, refurbished; see pel-⁵ in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: