verb / noun

extract

ik-STRAKT/ˈɛkstrˌækt/

To draw something out of a larger source.

A man extracts a nail from a wooden board with pliers.

An older man uses gripping pliers to pull a long nail out of a wooden board; the nail remains partly embedded, making the removal action visible.

Etymology

The pieces literally mean “draw out,” picturing something pulled from where it is lodged or contained. The selected meaning preserves that straightforward idea of removal.

In context

Claire Smith3:33

this kind of process which is termed maceration if oil is being used is one of many processes that could be used to extract Aroma chemicals from natural substances

What Is Maceration How to Macerate Fragrances Explained Why Middle Eastern Perfumes Perfume Science

More examples

This program extracts names and addresses from the file.
She adds a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter.
The textbook includes a short extract from her diary.

Forms

extract · extracts · extracted · extracting

extraction noun — The act of drawing something out.

Similar words

remove: Means taking away, without necessarily drawing something from a source.
obtain: Emphasizes getting something rather than drawing it out.
excerpt: Specifically means a passage selected from a larger work.