Definition of the word interpolation

The word "interpolation" has a fascinating history. Originating in the 15th century, it comes from the Latin words "inter," meaning "between," and "polare," meaning "to fold." Initially, the term referred to the process of folding or inserting something between two existing elements, such as sheets of paper or fibers. Over time, the meaning of "interpolation" expanded to include the insertion of new data or information between existing data points, particularly in mathematics and astronomy. This could include estimating missing values, filling gaps in a sequence, or even correcting errors in a dataset. Today, the term "interpolation" is used in various fields, including computer graphics, signal processing, and even music and speech recognition. Despite its evolution, the core idea of inserting new elements between existing ones remains at the heart of the word's meaning.