extractor

[ ik-strak-ter ]

noun

1. a person or thing that extracts.
2. (in a firearm or cannon) the mechanism that, after firing, pulls an empty or unfired cartridge or shell case out of the chamber and brings it into place for action by the ejector.
3. a centrifuge for spinning wet laundry so as to remove excess water.
4. Medicine/Medical, Dentistry. an instrument for drawing out, extracting, or pulling.

extractor

/ ɪkˈstræktə /

noun

1. a person or thing that extracts
2. an instrument for pulling something out or removing tight-fitting components
3. a device for extracting liquid from a solid, esp a centrifugal dryer
4. See extractor fan
   short for extractor fan
5. a fitting in many firearms for removing spent cartridges from the chamber

Word History and Origins

Origin of extractor¹

First recorded in 1605–15; extract + -or ²

Example Sentences

India is the largest extractor of groundwater in the world, accounting for 25 percent of global extraction.

From Science News

The dust collector can fill quickly, but the interlocking connector design makes it very difficult to attach any kind of extractor instead.

From Popular-Science

The ability to attach a shop vac or extractor is a benefit in high production environments.

From Popular-Science

Storms, erosion, and thousands of miles of channel cut by oil and gas extractors have lacerated the marshland that once made up the bottom of the state’s boot.

From Popular-Science

Now the users and extractors of helium are fighting a decision to end that program.

From Science News

This is the action in the gun except that the cartridge is held firm and the extractor pushed against it.

From Project Gutenberg

If this last be clear of the extractor stop (z) it will yield to pressure and the cartridge will be free.

From Project Gutenberg

The extractor (figs. 11 and 12) is recessed to take a movable plate (u) termed a “gib,” behind which is a spring (v).

From Project Gutenberg

This places a cartridge above the breech ready to be seized by the extractor.

From Project Gutenberg

At the front of the bolt is an extractor with a spring claw for extracting the fired case.

From Project Gutenberg