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

• 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

Direct lithium extraction technologies, for example, can selectively remove lithium from brine without large evaporation ponds or excessive chemical use. —Vincent Ledoux Pedailles, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025

However, there is also a potential environmental challenge from a German organization, Lebensraum Vorpommern, over concerns about the potential impact of gas extraction. —Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025

Yet this same extraction exacerbates beach erosion and smothers the coral reefs that taxpayers are also spending millions to restore. —Linda Thompson Gonzalez, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2025

As a result, flavor extraction is less than ideal, resulting in a too weak or strong coffee. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 14 July 2025

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