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

Having proven the theoretical concept, the team’s next phase involves optimizing power extraction, extending the system’s operational speed range, and exploring how arrays of multiple devices can interact to maximize energy density. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 15 Jan. 2026

This would further the administration’s push to make mining and resource extraction the primary uses of our public lands and waters. —Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 15 Jan. 2026

The experience traced the full journey of a diamond, from extraction to processing, cutting and polishing, grading and certification, and finally, sale. —Lindsey Granger, The Hill, 14 Jan. 2026

However, most of the mining so far has been limited to cryolite and some small-scale extraction of lead, iron, copper and zinc. —Paul Bierman, Fortune, 14 Jan. 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