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

And heavy metals leached during the extraction process can also build up in the environment, posing a threat to bird life, fish and humans. —Helen Regan, CNN Money, 26 Nov. 2025

The transition needs companies that implement credible plans, shift capital from extraction to regeneration, transform supply chains, work with nature rather than against it, and advocate for policies that create stable and competitive markets. —Paul Polman, Time, 25 Nov. 2025

Mining companies excel at extraction because that is their business model; processing is a manufacturing activity requiring different investors, technologies, and risk appetite. —Sam Mkokeli, semafor.com, 24 Nov. 2025

The ultrasonic waves emitted by this device essentially help to shake congestion loose, gently pushing blackheads out of pores without the need for firm pressure or painful extractions. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 21 Nov. 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