What is the Literal Meaning of Extract?
Extract is a noun that has a few different meanings. The most common definition of extract is a concentrated substance, usually derived from a plant or animal source. Extracts are often used in cooking and baking to add flavor or aroma to dishes. Extracts may also be used in herbal medicines and pharmaceuticals to increase the potency of the active ingredients.
Another definition of extract is to remove a substance from a larger mass. This can be done in a variety of ways, including distillation, evaporation, filtration, and centrifugation. Extracting a substance from a larger mass is often done to concentrate the desired material, such as in the production of essential oils or the extraction of minerals from ore.
Finally, extract can also refer to the act of quoting or extracting text from a larger source. This is often done to cite a source, such as a book or article, or to make a point in an argument.
In its various forms, extract is a useful term that can refer to a variety of processes and substances. Whether it is used in cooking, medicine, or text, extract is an important word with a variety of meanings.