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

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

Last year, in partnership with industrial equipment manufacturer Vermeer Corporation, Interlune revealed a prototype extractor designed to process 100 metric tons of lunar regolith every hour. — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 14 May 2026

The kit includes an AirPod cleaning pen with a silicone clip, a flocking sponge and brush, a keyboard key extractor and a screen cleaner spray. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 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