extractor

noun

ex·​trac·​tor ik-ˈstrak-tər How to pronounce extractor (audio)
: one that extracts
especially : the mechanism in a firearm that dislodges a spent cartridge from the chamber

Examples of extractor in a Sentence

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.
Helping miners recover more value from existing assets The company notes its technology could help miners and extractors unlock new revenue opportunities from existing assets while reducing operational costs. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026 Textra 11 Apex is not trying to replace a heavy-duty carpet extractor, and Fanttik is clear that it is not intended for stubborn, set-in stains or pet hair removal. — New Atlas, 24 June 2026 To complete the task, Rachel needs to bring in a pair of expert extractors, Sid (Cavill) and Bronco (Gyllenhaal), and their team of covert operatives because Manny lives on an island guarded by a private army whose members are locked and loaded with high-tech weaponry. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 Last year, in partnership with industrial equipment manufacturer Vermeer Corporation, Interlune revealed a prototype extractor designed to process 100 metric tons of lunar regolith every hour. — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for extractor

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin extractōr-, extractor "drawer out, miner," from Latin extrac-, variant stem of extrahere "to pull out, draw forth" + -tōr-, -tor, agent suffix — more at extract entry 1

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of extractor was in 1597

Rhymes for extractor

See All Rhymes for extractor

Browse Nearby Words

extract oneself
extractor
extract printing
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Cite this Entry

“Extractor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extractor. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Medical Definition

extractor

noun
ex·​trac·​tor ik-ˈstrak-tər How to pronounce extractor (audio) ˈek-ˌstrak- How to pronounce extractor (audio)
1
: an instrument used in extraction (as of a tooth)
2
: an apparatus for extracting substances by means of solvents

More from Merriam-Webster on extractor

Nglish: Translation of extractor for Spanish Speakers

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