extractive

1 of 2

adjective

ex·​trac·​tive ik-ˈstrak-tiv 

ˈek-ˌstrak-

1

a

: of, relating to, or involving extraction

b

: tending toward or resulting in withdrawal of natural resources by extraction with no provision for replenishment

extractive agriculture

2

: capable of being extracted

extractively adverb

extractive

2 of 2

noun

: something extracted or extractable : extract

Examples of extractive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

But these days the bulldozers are being replaced by the pickup trucks of horticulturalists, scientists, and volunteers who are exploring how to transform an extractive landscape into a model of future resilience in a warming world. —Sara Miller Llana, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 Apr. 2024

These behaviors are largely at the heels of for-profit companies being extractive of the medium. —Vulture, 20 Dec. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1810, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

extractive

1 of 2 adjective

ex·​trac·​tive ik-ˈstrak-tiv, ˈek-ˌ 

: of, relating to, or involving extraction

extractive processes

extractive

2 of 2 noun

: something extracted or extractable : extract