noun

extraction

ik-STRAK-shun/ɪkˈstrækʃn/

The process of removing or obtaining something from a source.

The hammer's claw begins the extraction of the embedded nail.

A claw hammer pulls a partly embedded nail out of a wooden plank, with the exposed nail shaft and its remaining embedded tip clearly visible.

Etymology

exLatinout

+tractLatinto draw

+ionLatinact or process

The pieces express the act of “drawing out.” Extraction retains that concrete image when something lodged or embedded in a material is pulled free.

In context

POP VIDEOS30:22

because gold is so valuable the extraction of just a few thousand ounces of day pays for this extraordinary mining operation and removing the gold ore requires drastic [Music] action

DISCOVERY OF THE MOTHER LODE VEINS- Most amazing gold find

More examples

The company studied oil extraction.
The dentist completed two extractions.
The device simplifies data extraction.

Forms

extraction · extractions

Similar words

removal: Need not involve drawing something from a source.
separation: Can divide things without taking one away.