extractor

noun

ex·​trac·​tor ik-ˈstrak-tər 

: one that extracts

especially : the mechanism in a firearm that dislodges a spent cartridge from the chamber

Examples of extractor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But before any company can send a full-scale extractor to the Moon to attempt to sift through regolith and collect helium-3, someone should probably attempt to determine whether this is physically practical. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026

Helping miners recover more value from existing assets The company notes its technology could help miners and extractors unlock new revenue opportunities from existing assets while reducing operational costs. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026

Textra 11 Apex is not trying to replace a heavy-duty carpet extractor, and Fanttik is clear that it is not intended for stubborn, set-in stains or pet hair removal. — New Atlas, 24 June 2026

To complete the task, Rachel needs to bring in a pair of expert extractors, Sid (Cavill) and Bronco (Gyllenhaal), and their team of covert operatives because Manny lives on an island guarded by a private army whose members are locked and loaded with high-tech weaponry. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin extractōr-, extractor "drawer out, miner," from Latin extrac-, variant stem of extrahere "to pull out, draw forth" + -tōr-, -tor, agent suffix — more at extract entry 1

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for extractor

• attractor
• cofactor
• compactor
• contactor
• contractor
• distractor
• impactor
• protractor
• reactor
• redactor
• refractor
• retractor

Medical Definition

extractor

noun

ex·​trac·​tor ik-ˈstrak-tər  ˈek-ˌstrak- 

1

: an instrument used in extraction (as of a tooth)

2

: an apparatus for extracting substances by means of solvents