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

Sam Campbell, a comic of Australian extraction who is among this season’s competitors, might be best known for his oddball stint on Season 16 of Taskmaster; his general demeanor is that of an alien freshly beamed down from the mothership who also happens to be on a performance-improvement plan. —Claire McNear, Rolling Stone, 18 Mar. 2026

The Nunnery experiences a soft extraction throughout the vinification to preserve freshness and aromatics before barrel and foudre aging, this time in smaller, 1,000-liter vessels. —Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 15 Mar. 2026

In the Permian basin of New Mexico and west Texas, for example, producers can more quickly and economically ramp up extraction of light crude oil trapped in shale rock. —Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026

Other standout examples include IKEA, Aldi, Honda, Toyota, Mint Mobile, Lands’ End, and Patagonia — firms that have built durable customer loyalty by prioritizing value over margin extraction. —Jerry Haar, Fortune, 14 Mar. 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