extraction

noun

ex·​trac·​tion ik-ˈstrak-shən 

1

: the act or process of extracting something

2

: ancestry, origin

a family of French extraction

3

: something extracted

Synonyms of extraction

• ancestry
• lineage
• origin
• descent
• breeding
• genealogy
• family
• pedigree

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

The thinking extends beyond the oil and gas extraction sector, with Patti placing significant focus on the electrification trend, another area of elevated pricing focus amid recent inflation. — Eric Rosenbaum, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026

Hairline design, extraction quality, graft handling, placement angle and donor management remain equally important. — Ascend Agency, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Sep. 2026

Commercial viability will depend on extraction rates, material durability, processing costs, and performance at pilot scale. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2026

John manages to perform an experimental extraction on her, and the pair go on the run, founding the eponymous Dark Skies movement to expose the extraterrestrial threat. — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 23 Sep. 2026

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

Phrases Containing extraction

• dilation and extraction

Rhymes for extraction

• abstraction
• attraction
• compaction
• contraction
• detraction
• diffraction
• distraction
• exaction
• impaction
• inaction
• infraction
• olfaction

Kids Definition

extraction

noun

ex·​trac·​tion ik-ˈstrak-shən 

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 

: the act or process of extracting something

extraction of a tooth