extractive

American  

[ik-strak-tiv] / ɪkˈstræk tɪv /

adjective

1. tending or serving to extract, or based upon extraction.

   coal, oil, copper, and other extractive industries.

2. capable of being extracted, as from the earth.

   extractive fuels.

3. of, relating to, or involving extraction.

   extractive surgery.

4. of or of the nature of an extract.

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noun

1. something extracted.

extractive British  

/ ɪkˈstræktɪv /

adjective

1. tending or serving to extract

2. of, involving, or capable of extraction

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noun

1. something extracted or capable of being extracted

2. the part of an extract that is insoluble

Other Word Forms

• nonextractive
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of extractive

First recorded in 1590–1600; extract + -ive

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

extractive

West Virginia, which has a long and complicated history with extractive industries such as coal, wants to attract more data centers.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 30, 2026

The discovery of vast copper and gold deposits transformed the region during the 20th Century, and the development of extractive industrial projects have reshaped parts of the landscape.

From BBC ● Sep. 25, 2026

Unfortunately, chimpanzee habitat in Guinea-Bissau is threatened by extractive industries, particularly industrial mining.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 28, 2026

“I think major global events have an extractive history,” Torosis said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 3, 2026

A great many substances are found in plants, such as wax, mannite, "extractive matter," citric, malic, and other acids, of the nutritive value of which very little is known.

From The Stock-Feeder's Manual the chemistry of food in relation to the breeding and feeding of live stock by Sir Charles Alexander Cameron

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