Extract Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of EXTRACT

[+ object]

1

:

to remove (something) by pulling it out or cutting it out

• He extracted a credit card from his wallet.
• I had to have a tooth extracted.
• The tumor was surgically extracted.

2

a

:

to get (information, a response, etc.) from someone who does not want to give it

• We finally extracted a confession from him.
• extract a promise

b

:

to get (something, such as information) from something

• Investigators were able to extract useful information from the company's financial records.
• They are hoping to extract new insights from the test results.

3

:

to get (a substance) from something by the use of a machine or chemicals

• The machines extract the juice from the apples.
• oil extracted from sunflower seeds
• venom extracted from poisonous snakes

4

:

to choose and take out (parts of a written work) for a separate use

• He extracted [=_excerpted_] a few lines from a favorite poem for use in his speech.

extract yourself

:

to remove yourself from a difficult situation

• He has been unable to extract himself from his legal difficulties.

— extractable

/ɪkˈstræktəbəl/

adjective

— extractor

/ɪkˈstræktɚ/

noun,

plural

extractors

[count]

• a tooth extractor
• a juice extractor