Extracts: meaning, definitions and examples

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extracts

 

[หˆษ›kstrรฆkt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

natural products

Concentrated substances obtained from plants, fruits, vegetables, or other natural sources using various extraction methods. Extracts are commonly used in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Synonyms

concentrate, essence, essence, tincture.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
extracts

Used when referring to a substance taken from plants, food, or other materials through a specific process. Typically used in cooking, medicine, or cosmetics.

  • Vanilla extracts are a common ingredient in baking
  • Herbal extracts can have medicinal properties
essence

Used when referring to the intrinsic nature or most important quality of something, often in a philosophical or abstract sense. It also means a highly concentrated form of flavor or aroma.

  • The essence of her argument is freedom of choice
  • Add a few drops of vanilla essence to the cake mix
concentrate

Used when referring to a substance that has had water or other diluting agents removed, making it stronger or more powerful. This is often used in the context of juices, cleaning products, or chemicals.

  • Orange juice concentrate must be mixed with water before drinking
  • This cleaning solution is a concentrate, so dilute it before use
tincture

Used when referring to an alcohol-based solution, especially in the context of herbal medicine or pharmaceuticals. It has a traditional or historical connotation.

  • She used a tincture of iodine to disinfect the wound
  • Herbal tinctures can be found in many health food stores

Examples of usage

  • Vanilla extract is commonly used in baking.
  • Green tea extract is known for its antioxidant properties.
  • Ginger extract is often used in traditional medicine.
  • Coffee extract is used to flavor desserts.
  • Peppermint extract is used to add flavor to beverages.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'ex-trahere', meaning 'to pull out' or 'to draw out'.
  • In English, 'extract' has been used since the 15th century, initially referring to medicinal herbs.
  • It was originally associated with getting substances from plants for healing purposes.

Culinary Uses

  • Vanilla extract, made from vanilla beans, is a key ingredient in many desserts, adding its distinctive flavor.
  • Herbal extracts are used in cooking to enhance flavors without adding bulk, like adding a drop of lemon extract.
  • Some extracts, like peppermint, are often used in candies and holiday treats for their strong, refreshing taste.

Science and Medicine

  • Extracts from plants often have medicinal properties, used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
  • The process of creating extracts often involves methods such as distillation or cold pressing to preserve active ingredients.
  • Alcohol is commonly used as a solvent in creating herbal extracts, helping to concentrate the natural compounds.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, herbal extracts have been used in rituals and ceremonies, highlighting their perceived power and healing properties.
  • The use of extracts extends beyond the kitchen; essential oils are extracts used in aromatherapy to promote wellness.
  • Culinary traditions around the world often utilize specific extracts unique to their region, reflecting local flora.

Environmental Impact

  • The extraction process of natural substances can lead to conservation concerns if not done sustainably.
  • Some extracts are derived from endangered plants, raising awareness about biodiversity and the need for preservation.
  • Growing demand for natural extracts has encouraged organic farming practices, benefiting the environment.

Translations

Translations of the word "extracts" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น extratos

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค…เค‚เคถ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Extrakte

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ ekstrak

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะตะบัั‚ั€ะฐะบั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ekstrakty

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆŠฝๅ‡บ็‰ฉ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท extraits

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ extractos

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท ekstraktlar

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ถ”์ถœ๋ฌผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุณุชุฎู„ุตุงุช

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ extrakty

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ extrakty

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆๅ–็‰ฉ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ izvleฤki

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รบtdrรฆttir

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะบัั‚ั€ะฐะบั‚ั‚ะฐั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒ›แƒแƒœแƒแƒ แƒ˜แƒ“แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ekstraktlar

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ extractos

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,734 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.