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. 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

The development of these extractors came after front-line medics highlighted the urgent need for a safe, fast, minimally invasive way to remove shrapnel.

From BBC

The trust advises draught-proofing your home, including round floorboards, pipework and old extractor fans, and setting the thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature.

From BBC

After she complained to the council - which is responsible for ensuring landlords maintain housing standards - the landlord installed extractor fans and provided dehumidifiers.

From BBC

Georgina Bright, 32, says damp has been pooling on her upstairs ceiling, such that "all the lights have been flickering" and when an extractor fan was removed "loads of water flew out of it".

From BBC

Using a surface-indoor solvent extractor, the researchers directly collected films from cleaned surfaces in a controlled lab setting and on regularly washed surfaces in university buildings.

From Science Daily