extract
v. · n.-
1 to pull out (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateto remove something by pulling it out, often with effort or force.
to remove something forcibly from a fixed position or context. Transitive; requires a direct object.
ExampleThe dentist had to extract the tooth because it was badly damaged.
ExampleEngineers worked for three days to extract the heavy machinery from the mud after the construction site flooded during the storm.
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2 to obtain information or value (v.) B2 Upper Intermediate Academicto get information, money, or a specific substance from something else.
to derive or obtain something from a source through a specific process, such as distillation, calculation, or questioning.
ExampleThe police tried to extract a confession from the suspect during the interview.
ExampleThe research team developed a more efficient method to extract oil from shale rock without using excessive amounts of water.
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3 a short passage (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Academica small part of a longer book, speech, or piece of music.
a short passage taken from a text, film, or musical work, typically used for analysis or citation.
ExampleWe had to read a short extract from the novel for our literature class.
ExampleThe professor provided an extract from the 1924 treaty to illustrate how diplomatic language has evolved over the last century.
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4 a concentrated substance (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Cookinga strong substance that has been taken from a plant or food.
a preparation containing the active ingredient or essence of a substance in concentrated form.
ExampleAdd two drops of vanilla extract to the cake batter for better flavour.
ExampleThe pharmaceutical company uses a highly purified extract of the bark to produce the new anti-inflammatory medication.
Borrowed from Latin extractum, neuter perfect passive participle of extrahō, from ex- (“out of”) + trahō (“to drag”).