extractor

noun

ex·​trac·​tor ik-ˈstrak-tər How to pronounce extractor (audio)
: one that extracts
especially : the mechanism in a firearm that dislodges a spent cartridge from the chamber

Examples of extractor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Besides extractor tools, there are practices that can help wave goodbye to your blackheads. Andrea Jordan and Andi Breitowich, Women's Health, 31 July 2023 Using too much pressure can damage skin, while overusing the extractor can actually backfire, stripping skin and kicking oil production into overdrive. Macaela MacKenzie, Glamour, 15 Feb. 2024 Note that the taper of the extractor can expand the screw or bolt, so don’t pound the extractor into the hole. Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 28 Nov. 2022 Next to the heat extractors, air clearly runs out vertically, splitting wide before joining the rest of the flow. Michael Teo Van Runkle, Ars Technica, 26 Oct. 2023 Vacuuming removes loose dirt and dust from the surface of the carpet, allowing the extractor to pull out soil embedded deep in the fibers before cleaning. Laura Daily, Washington Post, 19 Oct. 2023 But a closer look at the images revealed a strange design detail: The hood featured a pair of heat extractor vents and a cowl intake designed by fellow OVC member Peter Brock but never actually seen on a production or racing GT350. Michael Teo Van Runkle, Ars Technica, 26 Oct. 2023 But in true Gaines fashion, Crew didn't just sit idly by: The smallest family member did his fair share of brushing the hive, moving clean combs, and even giving the extractor's crank a spin. Kelsey Mulvey, House Beautiful, 29 Aug. 2023 First, run a vacuum or extractor over the fabric and then scrub any spots using a microfiber cloth dipped in warm water and circular motions. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Sep. 2023

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

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of extractor was in 1597

Dictionary Entries Near extractor

Cite this Entry

“Extractor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extractor. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

extractor

noun
ex·​trac·​tor ik-ˈstrak-tər How to pronounce extractor (audio) ˈek-ˌstrak- How to pronounce extractor (audio)
1
: an instrument used in extraction (as of a tooth)
2
: an apparatus for extracting substances by means of solvents

More from Merriam-Webster on extractor

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