extraction

noun

ex·​trac·​tion ik-ˈstrak-shən How to pronounce extraction (audio)
Synonyms of extractionnext
1
: the act or process of extracting something
2
: ancestry, origin
a family of French extraction
3
: something extracted

Synonyms of extraction

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Examples of extraction in a Sentence

tooth extractions and other dental procedures the extraction of teeth by dentists the extraction of juices from plant matter
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
During a californium-252 separation campaign in 2015, Delmau considered whether a different solvent extraction technique could eliminate a lengthy step in the process. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026 The new World Heritage property brings together five areas associated with the industry, including kilns, workshops, raw-material extraction sites, transportation routes, and the remains of the Imperial Kiln. — Bailey Berg, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026 What’s more, experts say California’s ocean economy — without new oil extraction — is already booming. — Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 9 Aug. 2026 All samples were photographed and cleaned of debris, placed in tubes, and stored in a freezer for DNA extraction and analysis. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extraction

Word History

Etymology

Middle English extraccioun "removal (of blood, foreign matter from the body), determination (of the root of a number)," borrowed from Late Latin extractiōn-, extractiō "withdrawal, removal," from Latin extrac-, variant stem of extrahere "to pull out, draw forth" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at extract entry 1

Note: Sense 2, attested since William Caxton, is based on Middle French extracion, estration, etc., in this meaning.

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of extraction was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing extraction

Rhymes for extraction

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Browse Nearby Words

extractable
extraction
extraction turbine
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Cite this Entry

“Extraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extraction. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

extraction

noun
ex·​trac·​tion ik-ˈstrak-shən How to pronounce extraction (audio)
1
: the act or process of extracting
2
: the origin of a person
of Italian extraction

Medical Definition

extraction

noun
ex·​trac·​tion ik-ˈstrak-shən How to pronounce extraction (audio)
: the act or process of extracting something
extraction of a tooth

More from Merriam-Webster on extraction

Nglish: Translation of extraction for Spanish Speakers

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