interpolation
nounUK /ɪnˌtɜː.pəˈleɪ.ʃən/
US /ɪnˌtɝː.pəˈleɪ.ʃən/
A way of guessing a missing piece of information by looking at the pieces around it.
By interpolation, the scientist estimated the temperature at noon from readings taken at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The act of adding extra words or remarks into a text or conversation.
The editor's interpolation of a footnote clarified the author's meaning.
3. In mathematics, the process of finding a value between two known values in a set of data.
Linear interpolation gave a smooth curve between the measured points.
4. In music, the insertion of extra notes or passages into a piece.
The pianist's interpolation of a short cadenza surprised the audience.