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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many of these videos follow a disturbing but familiar pattern—the extraction and erasure of Black women’s genius, creativity, and contributions. Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 The measure also requires the state, when considering future oil permits, to better evaluate how potential pollution from the extraction could affect nearby shorelines, wildlife and any potential costs for restoration, according to a House bill analysis. Emily L. Mahoney, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2025 In 1976, a turnaround came via the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, which built a multi-use mandate to emphasize hiking and conservation as much grazing and extraction (a.k.a. mining). Melina Sempill Watts, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025 The decision reflected broader Trump administration efforts to promote domestic resource extraction and deregulation. Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for extraction

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extraction. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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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