extraction

American  

[ik-strak-shuhn] / ɪkˈstræk ʃən /

noun

1. an act or instance of extracting.

   the extraction of a molar.

2. the state or fact of being extracted.

3. descent or lineage.

   to be of foreign extraction.

4. something extracted; extract.

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extraction British  

/ ɪkˈstrækʃən /

noun

1. the act of extracting or the condition of being extracted

2. something extracted; an extract

3. 1. the act or an instance of extracting a tooth or teeth

   2. a tooth or teeth extracted

4. origin, descent, lineage, or ancestry

   of German extraction

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Other Word Forms

• nonextraction noun
• overextraction noun
• preextraction noun

Etymology

Origin of extraction

1375–1425; late Middle English extraccioun < Late Latin extractiōn- (stem of extractiō ). See extract, -ion

Explanation

Extraction is the action of removing something. For example, when the dentist yanks out your rotten tooth, the extraction is complete! In addition to this wince-inducing meaning, the noun extraction is the process of separating out something from a chemical mixture or compound. Take decaffeinated coffee — the caffeine is removed by extraction, so you've got science to thank for not being jittery after breakfast. Extraction can also refer to your family background. If you are of Greek extraction, for example, your family history can be traced back to Greece.

Example Sentences

Prices in the oil and natural-gas extraction industry jumped 5.2% in March from the year prior, up from a 13% decline in February, according to the statistics bureau.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Pararescue teams deployed extensively throughout the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, conducting thousands of missions to rescue US and allied troops that were wounded or required extraction.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

As the lake’s water sources diminish because of water use agreements regarding the Colorado River, and as this region gains more industrial activity from proposed lithium extraction, air pollution is likely to only worsen.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Last year, it ranked eighth worldwide in terms of copper extraction volume, behind global giants such as BHP Group, Glencore Plc and Rio Tinto, according to industry statistics.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Homer pretended he was of Italian extraction when it suited him and let his questioners sit with their bewilderment.

From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead

Related Words

• eradication