extract

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   get despite difficulties or obstacles

   I extracted a promise from the Dean for two new positions

2. 2
   noun

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

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

3. 3
   noun

   A decoction, solution, or infusion made by drawing out from any substance that which gives it its essential and characteristic virtue

   vanilla extract

4. 4
   noun

   Any substance extracted is such a way, and characteristic of that from which it is obtained

   quinine is the most important extract of Peruvian bark.

5. 5
   verb

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

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

6. 6
   verb

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

   to extract an essential oil from a plant

7. 7
   verb

   To pick out; to cite or reproduce a snippet of

   extract a passage from a text.

8. 8
   verb

   To select parts of a whole

   We need to try to extract the positives from the defeat.

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin extractum, neuter perfect passive participle of extrahō, from ex- (“out of”) + trahō (“to drag”).