English · Word Candidate

extract

/ˈɛkstɹækt/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: extracts · extracting

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Something that is extracted or drawn out.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A portion of a book, document, recording etc. incorporated distinctly in another work (for written or spoken words, synoymous to a citation; a quotation).

Noun

Examples

I used an extract of Hemingway's book to demonstrate culture shock.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To draw out; to pull out; to remove forcibly from a fixed position, as by traction or suction, etc.

Verb

Examples

to extract a tooth from its socket, a stump from the earth, or a splinter from the finger

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To withdraw by squeezing, distillation, or other mechanical or chemical process. Compare abstract (transitive verb).

Verb

Examples

to extract an essential oil from a plant

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “extract” mean?

Something that is extracted or drawn out.

Is “extract” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.