extractor

American  

[ik-strak-ter] / ɪkˈstræk tər /

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.

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extractor British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of extractor

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

Example Sentences

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 • Feb. 14, 2024

There was nothing else to do with the premium plants but ship them to an extractor to be mulched and reduced to generic oil.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 3, 2022

The roar is deafening, a constant blast of extractor fans, sizzling meat, metal crashing against metal and shouting.

From Salon • Aug. 30, 2022

The eviction came after her family complained about problems with mould and an extractor fan.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2022

He flipped the switch, and the extractor started to spin, building speed.

From "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd