extraction

American  

[ik-strak-shuhn] / ɪkˈstræk ʃən /

noun

extractions plural

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

Derived Forms

• nonextraction
  noun
• overextraction
  noun
• preextraction
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• extractions
  plural

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

See Examples For:

extraction extractions

The Quaker-inspired coalition also founded New York’s Strother School of Radical Attention, which offers courses and workshops on attention as a practice that, maintained and exerted, makes it easier to recognize and refuse such extraction.

From Salon ● Jul. 13, 2026

As foreign oil majors -- dogged by pollution scandals in the Niger Delta -- have left many onshore projects to focus on offshore extraction, local firms have stepped in.

From Barron's ● Jul. 13, 2026

The agency said it has “reasonably determined that the impacts of groundwater withdrawal associated with Cadiz’s groundwater extraction project are outside the scope of analysis.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 10, 2026

Although large-scale mining has yet to begin, companies and governments are awaiting international rules that could pave the way for extraction.

From BBC ● Jul. 9, 2026

Hamilton had been born on the West Indian island of Nevis, the illegitimate son of a down-on-her-luck beauty of French extraction and a hard-drinking Scottish merchant with a flair for bankruptcy.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

At the surgery he was then told the extractions were so complex the price would go up to £350.

From BBC ● Mar. 24, 2026

PE-owned dentist offices are more likely to change focus from prevention to more-lucrative restoration procedures, and some have been sued by former patients alleging unnecessary tooth extractions and root canals.

From Slate ● Mar. 17, 2026

When I book a facial while traveling, I’m not looking for heavy extractions or intensive treatments — just hydration and relaxation.

From Salon ● Mar. 7, 2026

It had been bothering me for a couple of weeks, so I went to see my dentist, hoping for the best and preparing for the worst, having had two extractions in less than two years.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 28, 2026

The day after the SHU extractions, CO Konoval showed his videotape in the minutes before lineup.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

Related Words

• eradication