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 series also explores the impact of Mickey’s day job, which is doing the muscle work of natural gas extraction, or fracking. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026

Tannins can clash with milk proteins, creating bitter, metallic sensations, while alcohol and extraction flatten more delicate flavors. —Anna Lee Iijima, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026

That could create what the company describes as Canada’s first mine-to-cathode lithium supply chain, linking raw material extraction with refining and battery production. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026

With extraction costs often in the range of $8 to $10 per barrel, Iran possesses one of the lowest-cost production profiles in the world. —Gaurav Srivastava, The Washington Examiner, 19 Apr. 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