extraction

noun

ex·​trac·​tion ik-ˈstrak-shən How to pronounce extraction (audio)
1
: the act or process of extracting something
2
: ancestry, origin
a family of French extraction
3
: something extracted

Examples of extraction in a Sentence

tooth extractions and other dental procedures the extraction of teeth by dentists the extraction of juices from plant matter
Recent Examples on the Web In most brewing methods, the high temperature of the water encourages this extraction process. Darcy Lenz, Southern Living, 16 Oct. 2024 The activists, from the Sunrise Movement, were there Sept. 23 to beseech Harris to stop promoting the extraction of fossil fuels. Daniel Miller, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2024 Regulations are important but need to be accompanied by major technological and social innovation, ranging from circular business models closing the loop on resource extraction and waste, harnessing big data and AI for greater accountability and fair distribution of natural capital. Johan Rockström, TIME, 2 Oct. 2024 Silica dust is generated during the extraction, crushing, cutting and hauling of stone, sand and gravel. Matthew Dolan, Detroit Free Press, 7 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for extraction 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'extraction.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English extraccioun "removal (of blood, foreign matter from the body), determination (of the root of a number)," borrowed from Late Latin extractiōn-, extractiō "withdrawal, removal," from Latin extrac-, variant stem of extrahere "to pull out, draw forth" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at extract entry 1

Note: Sense 2, attested since William Caxton, is based on Middle French extracion, estration, etc., in this meaning.

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of extraction was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near extraction

Cite this Entry

“Extraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extraction. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

extraction

noun
ex·​trac·​tion ik-ˈstrak-shən How to pronounce extraction (audio)
1
: the act or process of extracting
2
: the origin of a person
of Italian extraction

Medical Definition

extraction

noun
ex·​trac·​tion ik-ˈstrak-shən How to pronounce extraction (audio)
: the act or process of extracting something
extraction of a tooth

More from Merriam-Webster on extraction

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