Extracts: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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