- extract
- extracts, extracting, extracted(The verb is pronounced [[t]ɪkstræ̱kt[/t]]. The noun is pronounced [[t]e̱kstrækt[/t]].)1) VERB To extract a substance means to obtain it from something else, for example by using industrial or chemical processes.
[V n] ...the traditional method of pick and shovel to extract coal...
[be V-ed from n] Citric acid can be extracted from the juice of oranges, lemons, limes or grapefruit.
[V-ed] ...looking at the differences in the extracted DNA. [Also V n from n]
Derived words:2) VERB If you extract something from a place, you take it out or pull it out. [LITERARY][V n from n] He extracted a small notebook from his hip pocket...
[V n] Patterson went straight to the liquor cabinet and extracted a bottle of Scotch...
[V n] She reached into the wardrobe and extracted another tracksuit.
3) VERB When a dentist extracts a tooth, they remove it from the patient's mouth.[V n] A dentist may decide to extract the tooth to prevent recurrent trouble...
[have n V-ed] She is to go and have a tooth extracted at 3 o'clock today.
Derived words:extraction plural N-VARIn those days, dentistry was basic. Extractions were carried out without anaesthetic.
4) VERB (disapproval) If you say that someone extracts something, you disapprove of them because they take it for themselves to gain an advantage.[V n from n] ...the capitalist system, which extracts huge profits from arms production at the tax-payers' expense...
[V n from n] He sought to extract the maximum political advantage from the cut in interest rates...
[V n from n] His development policies have extracted cash from the city centre.
5) VERB If you extract information or a response from someone, you get it from them with difficulty, because they are unwilling to say or do what you want.[V n from n] He made the mistake of trying to extract further information from our director...
[V n from n] He used her cash card, and the PIN number he had extracted from her, to take ₤500 from cashpoints.
Syn:elicit from6) VERB If you extract a particular piece of information, you obtain it from a larger amount or source of information.[V n] I've simply extracted a few figures...
[be V-ed from n] Britain's trade figures can no longer be extracted from export-and-import documentation at ports.
[V-ed] ...files of data extracted from the departmental archives. [Also V n from n]
7) V-PASSIVE If part of a book or text is extracted from a particular book, it is printed or published. [JOURNALISM][be V-ed from n] This material has been extracted from `Collins Good Wood Handbook'. [Also be V-ed]
8) N-COUNT: usu N from n An extract from a book or piece of writing is a small part of it that is printed or published separately.Read this extract from an information booklet about the work of an airline cabin crew.
9) N-MASS: oft n N An extract is a substance that has been obtained from something else, for example by means of a chemical or industrial process.Blend in the lemon extract, lemon peel and walnuts.
...fragrances taken from plant extracts.
10) → See also yeast extract
English dictionary. 2008.
