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

Strategic opportunity, legal risk Environmental groups say the risks extend beyond criminal financing to broader ecological destruction if foreign investment accelerates extraction. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026

Bauman used a modern technique to move healthy hair from the back and sides of Fisher’s head to the areas with hair loss in the front, using a newer instrument called follicular unit extraction. —Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026

The company says the system would be able to perform hemorrhage control, wound repair, chest decompression, shrapnel extraction, and field suturing, stabilizing the patient until evacuation can be carried out. —Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 9 Apr. 2026

Despite open questions about future extraction and Oiapoque’s limited role in Petrobras’ operations, speculation has already reshaped the city. —Gabriela Sá Pessoa, Los Angeles Times, 8 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