Definition

A concentrated form of a substance, often used for flavoring or medicinal purposes, or a passage taken from a larger text.

Example

The recipe called for vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the cake.

Conversation

I just bought some vanilla extract for baking.

Nice! That will make your cookies taste amazing.

I hope so! I've always wanted to try using fresh extract instead of the artificial stuff.

It's definitely worth it — it adds so much more flavor!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To take something out from a larger whole, often with effort or force, such as removing a tooth or obtaining information from a source.

Example

The dentist had to extract my wisdom tooth because it was causing pain.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I need to extract some information from this article for my project.

That sounds like a good plan! What’s the article about?

It's about climate change and how to reduce its effects.

Root Explanation

Extract → It is formed from "ex-" (meaning out) and "tractus" (meaning to draw or pull). The word "extract" means to draw out or pull something out from a source.

Memory Tip

Think of 'drawing out' ('tractus') something 'from' ('ex-') — that's why extract means to pull something out.

Visually Confused Words