Extract forms a kind of mirror image of abstract: more common as a verb, but also used as a noun and adjective. The adjective, meaning “derived or descended,” is now obsolete, as is a sense …

EXTRACT definition: 1. to remove or take out something: 2. to make someone give you something when they do not want…. Learn more.

10. a solid, viscid, or liquid substance containing the essence or active substance of a food, plant, or drug in concentrated form: beef extract; vanilla extract.

An extract (essence) is a substance made by extracting a part of a raw material, often by using a solvent such as ethanol, oil or water. Extracts may be sold as tinctures or absolutes or dried …

EXTRACT meaning: 1 : to remove (something) by pulling it out or cutting it out; 2 : to get (information, a response, etc.) from someone who does not want to give it

Dec 14, 2025 · extract (plural extracts) Something that is extracted or drawn out. A portion of a book or document, incorporated distinctly in another work; a citation; a quotation.

extract something (from something) to remove or obtain a substance from something, for example by using an industrial or a chemical process. The Egyptians used a primitive form of distillation …

To extract is to draw forth something as by pulling, importuning, or the like: to extract a confession by torture. To exact is to impose a penalty, or to obtain by force or authority, something to …

An extract from a book or piece of writing is a small part of it that is printed or published separately.

There are 12 meanings listed in OED's entry for the verb extract, three of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.