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Added 9 October 2026

extract

/ˈɛkstɹækt/ noun

In Latin: extractum Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about extract at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A solution obtained by steeping or soaking a substance (usually in water).
A passage selected from a larger work.
he presented excerpts from William James' philosophical writings

verb

Remove, usually with some force or effort; also used in an abstract sense.
pull weeds
Get despite difficulties or obstacles.
I extracted a promise from the Dean for two new positions
Deduce (a principle) or construe (a meaning).
We drew out some interesting linguistic data from the native informant

Origin

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

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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