extracts; extracted; extracting
1
: to remove (something) by pulling it out or cutting it out
He extracted a credit card from his wallet.
I had to have a tooth extracted.
The tumor was surgically extracted.
2
a
: to get (information, a response, etc.) from someone who does not want to give it
We finally extracted a confession from him.
extract a promise
b
: to get (something, such as information) from something
Investigators were able to extract useful information from the company's financial records.
They are hoping to extract new insights from the test results.
3
: to get (a substance) from something by the use of a machine or chemicals
The machines extract the juice from the apples.
oil extracted from sunflower seeds
venom extracted from poisonous snakes
4
: to choose and take out (parts of a written work) for a separate use
He extracted [=excerpted] a few lines from a favorite poem for use in his speech.
plural extracts
1
: a substance that you get from something by using a machine or chemicals
The recipe calls for a tablespoon of vanilla extract.
herbal extracts
2
: a short piece of writing that is taken from a longer work (such as a book)
The anthology includes extracts [=excerpts] from the works of several well-known authors.
Cite this Entry
“Extract.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/extract. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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