Noun: extrapolation ik'stra-pu,ley-shun
- (mathematics) calculation of the value of a function outside the range of known values
"The statistician used extrapolation to predict future population growth"
- An inference about the future (or about some hypothetical situation) based on known facts and observations
"The economist's extrapolation of current trends predicted a recession"
Derived forms: extrapolations
Type of: calculation, computation, figuring, illation [rare], inference, reckoning
Encyclopedia: Extrapolation