1. to insert something between other things or parts
2. to estimate a value between two known values using mathematical methods
Usage: mathematics; statistics
3. to add words or passages to a text, especially in a way that changes the original meaning
Usage: literary; textual criticism

Examples

• The editor decided to interpolate a brief explanation between the two paragraphs.
• Scientists can interpolate the missing temperature data using values from nearby weather stations.
• The mathematician interpolated the curve to find the approximate value at that point.
• Scholars believe that later scribes interpolated several verses into the original manuscript.
• The software can interpolate between keyframes to create smooth animation.
• She interpolated a few personal comments into her formal presentation.
• The researcher used linear interpolation to estimate the population growth rate.