His estimate of half a million HIV positive cases was based on an extrapolation ofthe known incidence of the virus. [+ of]
extrapolate in British English
(ɪkˈstræpəˌleɪt)
verb
1. mathematics
to estimate (a value of a function or measurement) beyond the values already known, by the extension of a curve
Compare interpolate (sense 4)
2.
to infer (something not known) by using but not strictly deducing from the known facts
Derived forms
extrapolation (exˌtrapoˈlation)
noun
extrapolative (exˈtrapolative) or extrapolatory (exˈtrapolatory)
adjective
extrapolator (exˈtrapoˌlator)
noun
Word origin
C19: extra- + -polate, as in interpolate
extrapolate in American English
(ɛkˈstræpəˌleɪt; ɪkˈstræpəˌleɪt)
verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: exˈtrapoˌlated or exˈtrapoˌlating
1. Statistics
to estimate or infer (a value, quantity, etc. beyond the known range) on the basis of certain variables within the known range, from which the estimated value is assumed to follow
2.
to arrive at (conclusions or results) by hypothesizing from known facts or observations
3.
to speculate as to consequences on the basis of (known facts or observations)
Derived forms
extrapolation (exˌtrapoˈlation)
noun
extrapolative (exˈtrapoˌlative)
adjective
extrapolator (exˈtrapoˌlator)
noun
Word origin
L extra (see extra-) + interpolate
Examples of 'extrapolate' in a sentence
extrapolate
`Oh, we should be able to extrapolate where she went, who she knew, what she did.
Tapply, William G FOLLOW THE SHARKS (1988)
You only have to extrapolate to see how much the gang is bringing in.
Diana Wynne Jones THE LIVES OF CHRISTOPHER CHANT (1988)